Optical memory apparatus having turn table unit mounted by a plate having an integral guide portion to a supporting base

ABSTRACT

A miniaturized optical disc memory is receivable in a slot, of about 17 mm height, normally accommodating a floppy disc drive. A base includes a base plate with integral, peripheral sidewalls and an internal lateral partition wall which define a cartridge receiving slot on the upper surface of the base plate. First and second support plates extend from the partition wall to the rear peripheral sidewall of the base and define respective, first and second upper mounting surfaces and lower first and second cavities respectively receiving an ejection motor and a fixed optical system, individual optical components being mounted and aligned on integral, precision machined blocks in the second cavity for transmitting a laser beam and receiving a reflected beam along a central, longitudinal optical axis beneath the base plate. A first base plate aperture accommodates a lens carriage driven in reciprocating motion along the axis for receiving and redirecting the laser beam vertically for scanning an optical disc and receiving a reflected beam and redirecting same to the fixed optical system. The movable optical system is locked in a rest position and is released by insertion of a cartridge to permit scanning movement thereof. A disc drive unit is mounted beneath the base plate for reciprocating vertical movement through a second aperture therein to a raised position for engaging and driving, in rotation, an optical disc of a cartridge inserted into the apparatus and to a lowered position for releasing the cartridge and permitting ejection thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/678,551, filedJul. 9, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,309.

The present application is related to and incorporates by reference thedisclosures of the following applications:

1. “Optical Information Recording/Reproducing Apparatus”—Tezuka et al.,U.S. application Ser. No. 084,362 filed Jun. 30, 1993, corresponding toJapanese Application HEI5-619, filed Jan. 6, 1993 and Assigned toFujitsu Limited

2. “Disk Apparatus”—Takahashi et al., U.S. application Ser. No. 067,867filed May 27, 1993 corresponding to Japanese Application HEI3-316153filed Nov. 29, 1991, Assigned to Fujitsu Limited and Copal Corp.

3. “Optical Disk Drive Unit”—Kaneko et al., U.S. application Ser. No.334,079 filed Nov. 4, 1994 corresponding to Japanese ApplicationHEI6-4690 filed Jan. 20, 1994, Assigned to Fujitsu Limited

4. “Optical Memory Apparatus”—Kaneko et al., U.S. application Ser. No.08/959,454 filed Oct. 28, 1997 corresponding to Japanese ApplicationHEI7-201229 filed Aug. 7, 1995, Assigned to Fujitsu Limited

5. “Storage Apparatus”—Itoh et al., U.S. application Ser. No. 08/688,905filed Jul. 31, 1996 corresponding to Japanese Application HEI7-201176filed Aug. 7, 1995, Assigned to Fujitsu Limited

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to an optical memory apparatusincluding, e.g., optical disc, magneto-optical disc and phase-changeoptical disc types of such memory apparatus, and, more particularly, toan overall structure and design of such an optical memory apparatus of acompact, small size and light weight, substantially reduced fromconventional such apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Optical discs of the above-noted types and optical cards, as well, areattracting a great deal of attention, recently, as recording media foruse in optical memory apparatus; currently, moreover, optical disc mediahave become established as a core element of rapid multimediadevelopments. The optical disc usually is accommodated in a portablecartridge, which is loaded into an optical disc (memory) apparatus andthe optical disc is accessed by an optical head of the apparatus forrecording and storage of information therein, and for reproduction ofinformation stored therein.

The optical disc apparatus is used currently under the condition that itis externally connected with a computer through an SCSI interface. Forinstance, an external 3.5-inch magneto-optical disc drive is connectedwith a desktop computer and is housed in a case or a locker. When the3.5-inch magneto-optical disc drive is removed from the case or thelocker, it has an external size of about 25.4 mm (height)×101.6 mm(width)×150 mm (depth), which dimensions may have an accuracy error ofabout ±0.5 mm, and a weight of about 470 g. Moreover, the total externalsize of the disc drive unit, as mounted within the case, is 36 mm(height)×132 mm (width)×208 mm (depth).

Such an optical disc drive can be applied to a desktop computer.However, from the viewpoint of size and weight, it has been impossibleto have the optical disc drive built into a portable (laptop) computer,the market demand for which is rapidly growing, and to carry the opticaldisc apparatus with the portable computer.

In view of improving user operability, it is strongly required tointroduce an optical disc apparatus into the portable personal computer.Therefore, technical developments for reduction of size and weight arenow being made frequently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a small size, lightweight and low cost optical disc memory apparatus, while maintaining orimproving the reliability and durability or same as a data storageapparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an opticalmemory apparatus, such as a magneto-optical disc is apparatus and aphase-change-optical disc apparatus, having a height of about 24 mm orless and a total weight of 300 g or less and to make it possible tomount such an optical memory apparatus into a portable computer withoutany design change of major dimensions, and/or of the total weight, ofthe portable computer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an opticalmemory apparatus which is designed to be almost of the same size as afloppy disk drive unit, of about 17 mm in thickness (i.e., height), andwhich can also be inserted into an existing slot provided in a computerhousing for a floppy disk drive unit, of about 17 mm in thickness.

It is a still further object of the present invention to improveconnectability of an optical memory apparatus with a host apparatus inorder to improve the flexibility of use thereof.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, an optical memory apparatus inaccordance with the present invention comprises a base having a firstsurface and a second surface, a fixed optical part contacting the firstsurface and the second surface, a holding member holding the fixedoptical part against the first surface and the second surface, acarriage movably mounted on the base, a movable optical part mounted onthe carriage, a light emitter mounted on the base and a photo-detectormounted on the base.

An optical memory apparatus in accordance with other aspects the presentinvention further comprises a base having a shape approximately of arectangular plate and a first recess, a turntable motor mounted on thebase, a fixed optical part mounted on the base, a carriage movablymounted on the base, a movable optical part mounted on the carriage; alight emitter mounted on the base, a photo-detector mounted on the base,and an eject motor mounted within the first recess of the base.

According to further improvements of the present invention, an opticalmemory apparatus comprises a base of an approximately rectangular shapeand having a sliding surface on a first side thereof for sliding acartridge thereover, first and second openings in the base and first andsecond recesses extending (i.e., laterally displaced) from the slidingsurface; a cartridge holder mounted on the sliding surface and spacedtherefrom so as to define, with the sliding surface, a cartridgereceiving slot; a turntable motor unit movably mounted on a second,opposite side of the base from the sliding surface and being movable,transversely, through the first opening; a carriage motor movablymounted on an opposite side of the base and being movable within thesecond opening; a movable optical part mounted on said carriage; a fixedoptical unit mounted within the first recess; an eject motor unitmounted within the second recess; a cover mounted on the second side ofsaid base; a printed circuit board mounted on the first side of saidbase; an interface connector mounted on an edge of said printed circuitboard; and said optical memory apparatus having a height of 24 mm orless in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the 3.5-inch opticaldisc medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a 3.5-inch magneto-optical discdrive unit as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the optical disc drive unit shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective and exploded view of the optical disc drive.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective exploded view of the optical disc driveshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5(a) is a top plane view of a printed circuit board.

FIG. 5(b) is a side plane view of the printed circuit board shown inFIG. 5(a).

FIG. 6 is a top plane view of the interior of the optical disc drivewith a portion of the drive base broken-away.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plane view of the interior of the optical disk driveshown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8(a) is a top plane view of a sealing cover.

FIG. 8(b) is a top plane view of the sealing cover with a pin slightlyinserted.

FIG. 8(c) is a side plane view of the sealing cover with the pin deeplyinserted.

FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of an alternative sealing cover.

FIG. 9(b) is a perspective view of the alternative sealing cover with apin inserted.

FIG. 10(a) is a partially enlarged perspective view of the drive basemounting a fixed optical unit.

FIG. 10(b) is a partially enlarged perspective view of the drive basebefore mounting the fixed optical unit.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fixed optical unit.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of optical paths and electronicsignals of the fixed optical unit.

FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view of a complex lens of a servo unit.

FIG. 13(b) is a top plane view of the complex lens of the servo unit.

FIG. 13(c) is an explanatory diagram of an optical path and electronicsignals of the servo unit.

FIGS. 14(a)-14(c) are explanatory diagrams of the process ofmanufacturing a beam splitter and Wollaston prism.

FIGS. 15(a)-15(c) are explanatory diagrams of the process ofmanufacturing a beam reflector prism.

FIG. 16(a) is a perspective view of an objective lens.

FIG. 16(b) is a cross-sectional view of the objective lens.

FIG. 17(a) is a top plane view of a lens carriage.

FIG. 17(b) is a side plane view of the lens carriage.

FIG. 17(c) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lens carriage.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a lens actuator.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a track/focus coil unit.

FIG. 20(a) is a graph of a frequency-mechanical compliance profile ofthe lens actuator having wire assemblies without any damping member.

FIG. 20(b) is a graph of a frequency-mechanical compliance profile ofthe lens actuator having wire assemblies with damping members.

FIG. 21(a) is a graph of a frequency-mechanical compliance profile ofthe lens actuator having wire assemblies with a thermosetting bondingagent.

FIG. 21(b) is a graph of a frequency-mechanical compliance profile ofthe lens actuator having wire assemblies with a non-perfect settingbonding agent.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a turn-table motion (i.e.,transport) unit.

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the turn-table motion unit and aload plate.

FIG. 24(a) is a bottom perspective view of the interior of the discdrive positioned as when a disc cartridge (not shown) is loaded therein.

FIG. 24(b) is a partially enlarged perspective view of the interior ofthe disc drive shown in FIG. 24(a).

FIG. 25(a) is a bottom perspective view of the interior of the discdrive with no disc cartridge therein (i.e., with the disc cartridgeejected/unloaded).

FIG. 25(b) is a partially enlarged perspective view of the interior ofthe disc drive shown in FIG. 25(a).

FIG. 26 is a bottom plane view of a cartridge holder.

FIG. 27 is a bottom plane view of the cartridge holder with the disccartridge normally inserted or ejected.

FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of the cartridge holder with the disccartridge reversely (i.e., improperly) inserted and partially loaded.

FIG. 29 is a side (elevational) cross-sectional view of a roller of thecartridge holder.

FIG. 30(a) is a top plane view of a flexible printed circuit 30 board(FPC).

FIG. 30(b) is a flipped (i.e., bottom) plane view of the FPC shown inFIG. 30(a).

FIG. 30(c) is a top plane view of the FPC folded along the line A shownin FIG. 30(a).

FIG. 31(a) is a top plane view of an alternative lens carriage and lensactuator.

FIG. 31(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the lens actuator shown inFIG. 31(a).

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a personal computer.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of the personal computer shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a laptop type computer and a floppydisk drive unit before mounting to the laptop computer.

FIG. 35(a) is a rear plane view of a case for an optical disc drive.

FIG. 35(b) is a front plane view of the case shown in FIG. 35(a).

FIG. 35(c) is a partly top view of the interior of the case shown inFIG. 35(a).

FIG. 35(d) is a block diagram of an interface conversion circuit of thedisc drive shown in FIG. 35(a).

FIG. 36(a) is a rear perspective view of an internal magneto-opticaldisc drive unit with an E-IDE interface connector and a SCSI interfaceconnector.

FIG. 36(b) is a block diagram of an interface conversion circuit of thedisc drive shown in FIG. 36(a).

FIG. 37(a) is a rear perspective view of an external magneto-opticaldisc drive unit with a SCSI interface and a PCMCIA interface.

FIG. 37(b) is a block diagram of the interface conversion circuit of thedisc drive shown in FIG. 37(a).

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a directly connectable external opticaldisc drive unit connecting to another optical disc drive unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a 3.5-inch magneto-optical discdrive unit 1, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2is a bottom perspective view of the optical disc drive unit 1 shown inFIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively are top and bottom, perspective andexploded views of the optical disc drive unit 1; therein, the frontbezel 10 and the frame 12, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are omitted forsimplification.

On the front of the optical disc drive unit 1 there is mounted a frontbezel (front panel) 10 to which a door 10 b is mounted by hinges 10 aand 10 b so that it can be freely rotated by, and thereby to permit, theinsertion or ejection of an optical disc cartridge, into or from a slotwithin the disc drive unit 1. The door 10 b is resiliently urged, by aspring (not illustrated), to a closed position (as shown).

An auto-eject button 10 a is provided for instructing an automatedejection of an inserted disc cartridge; further, a manual eject hole 10d is provided into which a pin may be inserted to produce ejection of aninserted disc cartridge in the case of an electrical power failureand/or for maintenance of or otherwise checking the optical disc driveunit 1. The pin, when inserted into the manual eject hole 10 d, cancelsthe engagement between the disc cartridge and the disc drive unit 1 forpermitting ejection of the disc cartridge. An LED 10 c emits anindicating light for indicating a current operating condition of theoptical disc drive unit 1.

With concurrent reference to FIGS. 1-4, the disk drive unit 1 has a base20, the front bezel 10 being coupled to the base 20 at a front endthereof, corresponding to the front surface if of the disc drive unit 1.Also coupled to the drive base 20 are a printed circuit board 11 onwhich various kinds of ICs are mounted and to which various kinds offlexible printed circuits “FPCS” are connected, a frame 12 (which isoptional) defining a surrounding, or peripheral, external enclosure walland a cover 13 made of a magnetic material. The printed circuit board(PCB) 11 is secured to the drive base 20 by screw(s) (not shown)received through corresponding holes 11 a in the PCB 11 and aligned,threaded holes in the base 20 (FIG. 3) The cover 13 is secured to base20 by screws 14 a, 14 c, 14 f, 14 h received through the holes 13 a inthe cover 13, shock absorbing spacers (e.g., of rubber) 14 b, 14 d, 14e, 14 g, holes (not illustrated) of frame 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2) andaligned, threaded holes 13 a′ (shown in the drive base 20 (FIG. 4)).

In this embodiment, a height of the 3.5-inch optical disc drive unit isdetermined by the height “H” of the assemblage of the drive base 20, thePCB 11 and cover 13, and the height “h” (FIG. 1) of the front bezel 10.The heights “H” of the cabinet and “h” of the front bezel 10 aresubstantially the same, approximately 17 mm. However, since the frontbezel 10 and the frame 12 are provided optionally, depending on a user'srequest, these need not always be actually provided.

When the total height “H” of the optical disc drive unit 1 is limited toabout 17 mm, it can be used as an alternative storage device, relativeto a floppy disk drive, by inserting it into an existing slot as isotherwise provided for a floppy disk drive unit in a portable computeror the like.

The technology of the invention for realizing a reduction in size andweight of the optical disc drive, and particularly for limiting theheight to about 17 mm, will be explained hereunder.

As shown FIG. 3, the disc drive unit 1 comprises seven principal parts,roughly speaking, namely, the printed circuit board 11, a cartridgeholder 71, the drive base 20, a lens carriage 30, a load plate 24, aturn-table motor unit 222 and the cover 13, arranged and assembled inthat sequence and for the normal orientation of the unit 1 asillustrated.

The drive base, or base plate, 20 is of a substantially rectangularshape and has several recesses and openings. The drive base 20, in FIG.1, has upwardly extending and interconnected wall segments 20-1, 20-2and 20-3, the segments 20-1 and 20-3 being substantially parallel anddefining spaced, longitudinal, peripheral side walls, or edges, of thebase plate 20 and the segment 20-2 being an interior wall or lateralpartition, spaced inwardly of the rear end of the base plate 20 andbeing angled, as later discussed, the wall segments 20-1, 20-2 and 20-3together with a support plate 20′ surrounding and defining a recess 20 hhaving a lower surface comprising the upper surface of the support plate20′ of the drive base 20 and providing a slide surface in which thecartridge holder 71 is received. A slot, for the disc cartridge to beinserted, is defined by the cartridge holder 71 and the bottom, slidesurface of the recess 20 h. The cartridge holder 71 more particularly isof a generally planar configuration, corresponding substantially to theshape of the recess 20 h and a pair of depending (i.e., downwardlyextending), integral longitudinal flanges 71-1 and 71-2 which arereceived adjacent the peripheral wall segments 20-1 and 20-3,respectively, of the base 20 and thereby support the major planarsurface of the cartridge holder 71 in spaced relationship from thebottom surface of the recess 20 to define the receiving slot for a disccartridge. Moreover, the drive base 20 has vertical, post-like mounts 71b′ integral therewith and with the wall segments 20-1 through 20-3, asindicated, which are bored and threaded in alignment with apertures incorresponding mounting tabs 71 b of the cartridge holder 71, and throughwhich mounting screws are received to secure the cartridge holder 71 tothe base 20.

Moreover, the base drive 20, in FIG. 3, has an upper recess 20 i with anassociated support plate 20″ extending from the interior partition,lateral wall segment 20-2 to the back, or rear end, of the drive base 20for accommodating electrical components therein, both as are directlymounted on the bottom surface of the recess 20 i defined by thecorresponding support plate 20″ and, as well, which are mounted on anddepend downwardly from the PCB 11. In that regard and as later shown infurther detail, the depending flanges 71-1 and 71-2 are of a shorterheight than the wall segments 20-1 through 20-3 as a result of which theupper surface of the planar cartridge holder 71 is spaced from anddefines an upper recess portion relatively to the bottom surface of theprinted circuit board 11, when the latter is assembled on the wallsegments 20-1, 20-2 and 20-3, such that electrical components (e.g., ICchips and the like) mounted on the lower surface of the PCB 11 areaccommodated in that upper recess portion 20 i. The drive base 20 alsohas an opening 20 a through which the turn-table motor unit 222 ismoveable, in reciprocating (vertical) movement transverse to the planeof the (horizontal) drive base 20, so as to bring the turn-table 22 intoengagement with, and to be released from, the hub of an optical disc ofa cartridge (not shown in FIG. 3) received in the slot. Associated withthe opening 20 a are apertures 20 c and 20 d in plate 21 and guide pins20 e and 20 f on base 20 (FIG. 4); for guiding such movement of theturn-table motor unit 222, and an opening 20 b along which the lenscarriage 30 is moveable and through which it has access to the disc of adisc cartridge received in the cartridge holder 71. Integral studs, orstand-offs, 20-12 and 20-13 hold the interior end of actuator plate 21spaced from the base 20, when moved to the raised positions thereof (inthe +Z direction) as later described. Further, the load member 26 hasintegral, sloped guides 24 c and 24 d which are aligned with andreceived in respective notch regions 21-1 and 21-2 of plate 21 (see alsoFIGS. 23-25(b)) and serve to guide the end of plate 21 adjacent thefront of the base 20 to a lower position relatively to the base 20 (inthe −Z direction), as later described.

FIG. 4 illustrates the components of FIG. 3 in inverted positionsrelatively to the illustration of same, in the normal upright positionsthereof, in FIG. 3; therein, the base 20 is shown to have additionalperipheral sidewalls, or side wall segments, 20-4, 20-51 20-6 and 20-7extending generally along the periphery of the front and rear ends andthe opposite longitudinal sides of the base 20 and interior, lateralwall segments, or partitions, 20-8 and 20-9, generally extendingparallel to the front and rear wall segments 20-4 and 20-7, and a wallsegment 20-10 extending in a longitudinal direction transversely fromthe wall segment 20-9. It will be appreciated that the wall segments20-4 through 20-10 depend from the lower surface of the base 20 when inits normal, upright orientation as shown in FIG. 3. Wall segments 20-7,20-9 and 20-10 (or relevant portions thereof) and a (lower) surface ofthe support plate 20″ define a (lower) recess 40′ for receiving andprecision mounting therein components of a fixed optical unit 40 (notillustrated in FIG. 4). In the empty recess 40′, however, are seenvarious integral mounting posts of the base 20 which are precisionconfigured to enable automatic, precision positioning and relativealignment of the components of the fixed optical unit. The fixed opticalunit 40 guides the light beam emitted from a laser diode to the surfaceof an optical disc and then guides the light beam reflected from theoptical disc to a photo-detector. In FIG. 4, a lens, etc. in the fixedoptical unit 40 is not illustrated for simplification. Moreover, a cover40 a, for shielding optical unit 40 from dust and extraneous lightbeams, is mounted on and covers the recess 40′.

The compact disc drive unit of the invention is subject to a potentialof increased magnetic flux leakage, due to a reduction in thickness andmass of walls and other parts; this can be prevented by making the cover13 of a ferromagnetic material, such as stainless steel or the like.Therefore, even when the disc drive unit is mounted in a computer andstacked on (or with) a floppy disk drive or a hard disc drive, noadverse magnetic field effects are coupled to such a floppy disc driveunit or hard disc drive unit, thereby to avoid the generation ofread/write failures which can readily be produced by such extraneousmagnetic fields.

Moreover, packing typically is used between a drive base and a cover toimprove the seal therebetween. However, in accordance with theinvention, to minimize the height of the drive unit, the packing issuccessfully eliminated through the provision of peripheral flanges ofthe cover 13 which engage the peripheral side wall segments of the base20. For example, when the cover 13 is mounted on the base 20, peripheralflanges 13 b thereof mate and engage with corresponding portions of thewall segments 20-6 of the base 20 as seen in FIG. 4; further suchflanges (not seen in FIG. 4) at the rear edge and opposite side edge ofthe cover 13 correspond in configuration to and engage the related andopposite wall segments 20-7 and 20-5. These various sidewalls 13 b ofthe cover 13, as thus tightly fitted to the circumferential side wallsegments of the base body 20, not only seal but also strengthen andprovide further magnetic field shielding. The cover 13, further, hasflanges providing mounting tabs 13 a which are displaced from the main,planar surface of the cover 13 and further are received on correspondingmounting posts formed integrally with the base 20, in or contiguous withthe various sidewall segments 20-5 through 20-7, and whereby the headsof screws received therethrough for securing the cover to the base 20are displaced from the exterior surface of the cover 13 and thus do notproject outwardly of that surface in the assembled relationship of thecomponents of the drive unit 1.

A lens carriage 30 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 holding an objective lens L(FIG. 3) and is able to move longitudinally in the base 20 and in aradial direction relatively to an optical disc of a disc cartridge (notshown) received in the cartridge holder 71. The lens carriage 30 isintegrally formed of a material, such as thermo-soluble resin or thelike, and includes molded coil portions 32 a and 32 b at each of theopposite, transverse ends of the lens carriage 30 and in each of which acoil is buried. More particularly, the upper yokes 33 a and 33 b areseen in FIG. 3 as being received in and extending through correspondingopenings in the molded coil portions 32 a and 32 b of the lens carriage30 and, it will be understood, that the lens carriage 30 is thereby ableto be driven in reciprocating, longitudinal movement along the lengthsof the upper yokes 33 a and 33 b and thereby in the above-referencedradial direction of an optical disc. Moreover, a pair of magneticcircuits for moving the lens carriage 30 consist respectively of theupper yokes 31 a and 31 b, the mating lower yokes 33 a′ and 33 b′ andmagnets disposed inside the lower yokes 33 a′ and 33 b′. After insertingthe upper yokes 33 a and 33 b through the openings of the molded coilportions 32 a and 32 b, the opposite ends of the upper yokes 33 a and 33b are fixed by screws to the corresponding opposite ends of the loweryokes 33 a ′ and 33 b′.

A turn-table motor unit 222, in FIGS. 3 and 4, consists of a turn-table22, a motor built in the inside (i.e., within the interior) of theturn-table 22, a flexible printed circuit sheet 89 and a actuator(metal) plate 21 on which the foregoing elements are mounted. Theturn-table 22 has a diameter of 21 mm and is projected toward thecartridge holder 71 through the opening 20 a of the drive base 20 whenthe disc cartridge is loaded. The turn-table 22, further, is formed of amagnetic material so as to attract a metal hub of the optical disc whenthe disc cartridge is loaded.

The actuator (metal) plate 21 consists of a zinc-plated steel plate orthe like having an electric non-conductance and slide pins 23 a and 23b. More details will be explained later with reference to FIGS. 22 and23.

In FIG. 4, a recess 55 of the drive base 20, defined by the (depending)wall segments 20-5, 20-7 and 20-10 (or portions thereof) and a furthersupport plate 20″ of the base 20 is provided for receiving and mountingtherein an eject motor unit 50 (manufactured by Omron, model R2DG-84having a maximum height of about 7 mm) for ejecting an optical disccartridge; screws (not illustrated) are received through holes 50 a ofthe eject motor unit 50 and are threaded into the aligned, threadedholes 55 a of the drive base 20. The drive base 20 necessarily mustafford sufficient height in the recess 55 for the eject motor unit 50.To afford that requisite height while minimizing the overall height ofthe drive unit of the invention, the recess 55 is formed at the rear endof the base 20 and on the bottom surface thereof, effectively rearwardlyof the interior, partition wall segment 20-2 (FIG. 3) and the integraland aligned interior, partition wall segment 20-9 (FIG. 4), and thusrearwardly of the recess 20 h within which the cartridge holder 71 ismounted. This positioning of the eject motor unit 50, longitudinally andrearwardly of the portion of the drive base 20 which accommodates thecartridge holder 71, eliminates any restriction regarding the height ofthe disc cartridge. Therefore, it becomes possible to form the recess 55having a sufficient depth for the eject motor unit 50 having a 10.7 mmheight, within the drive base 20 having a maximum of 15.8 mm height.

A The load plate 24 is received in sliding, reciprocating forward andbackward (longitudinal) movement on, and relatively to, the lower mainsurface of support plate 20′ of the base 20 and the actuator plate 21 orthe turn-table motor unit 222 is mounted there beneath, with the guidepins or rollers 23 a and 23 b thereof received in the angled slots, orguides, 85 a and 85 b, respectively, of the load plate 24. In a normalor rest position with no disc cartridge in the unit, the actuator plate21 is at the lower end of its vertical travel and the load plate 24 isat the rear end of its horizontal travel, with the slide roller pins 23a and 23 b in a rest position, displaced in a forward direction from theslots 85 a and 85 b. When a disc cartridge is inserted and as describedin greater detail hereafter, the load plate 24 moves to a forwardposition and the slide roller pins 23 a and 23 b travel upwardly throughthe corresponding guide slots 85 a and 85 b to cause the turn-table 22to project through the opening 20 a and engage the hub of the disc. Whenthe optical disc cartridge is to be ejected, the eject motor 50 thencauses the load plate 24 to be drawn toward the rear of the unit,whereby the slide pins (rollers) 23 a and 23 b of the actuator (metal)plate 21 slide on the guides (inclined slots) 84 a and 84 b of the loadplate 24 and the turn-table 22 is retracted from within (i.e., dropsrelative to) the cartridge holder 71, through the opening 20 a of thedrive base 20 and such that it is disposed below the bottom surface of10 the recess 20 h. Thereby, the engagement between the optical disc andthe turn-table 22 is canceled and the cartridge can be removed. Moredetails will be explained later by reference to FIGS. 23-25.

FIG. 5(a) is a top plane view of a printed circuit board and FIG. 5(b)is a side plane view of the printed circuit board shown in FIG. 5(a).The printed circuit board 11 has mounted thereon, on a single (lower)surface thereof facing the drive base 20 and the cartridge holder 71, aninterface and power connector 99 and a device logic address settingswitch 98 at the rear edge thereof, and also circuit parts such as DSP(Digital Signal Processor), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), etc. forcontrolling the reproducing/recording/erasing operation of the opticaldisc drive.

Moreover, the printed circuit board 11 has parts which are of shortervertical dimensions (e.g., IC parts such as DSP, MPU, etc.) mounted onthe area A, facing the upper surface of cartridge holder 71, and partsof larger vertical dimensions (e.g, a capacitor, the connector 99, theswitch 98, etc.) mounted on the area B, facing the recess 20 i of thedrive base 20. The dotted line in FIG. 5(a), separating the areas A andB of the PCB 11, will be understood, moreover, to correlate to theangled partition wall segment 20-2 (FIG. 3). Further, a dust-proof film(not illustrated) is provided between the printed circuit board 11 andthe cartridge holder 71. The printed circuit board 11 then is screwed tothe drive base 20 via the holes 11 a with the cartridge holder 71stacked between the printed circuit board 11 and the drive base 20.

Accordingly and in accordance with the invention, the height of thedrive base 20 is reduced and, correspondingly, the total height of thedisc drive unit 1 is reduced by carefully considering the layout of thecircuit parts on the printed circuit board 11, taking into account theshapes of the drive base 20 and of the cartridge holder 71.

In this embodiment, the height of the disc drive unit 1 is furtherreduced by using screws having a head thickness of 0.3 mm or less.Moreover, it is possible to use a screw having a head thickness of 0.5mm and a washer having a recessed portion which is fitted into the hole11 a of the printed circuit board 11 and accommodates the head of thecorresponding screw.

Further, it is possible to use screws having a head thinner than theprinted circuit board 11 and frames which are soldered to the insidesurface of the printed circuit board 11 at one end and which expand inparallel to the printed circuit board 11 and have a hole for the screwat the other end. Thereby, the outside surface of the printed circuitboard 11 is flattened by sinking the screw head within the thickness ofthe printed circuit board 11 .

After the above-mentioned parts, i.e., the printed circuit board 11, thecartridge holder 71, the lens carriage 30, the load plate 24 and theturn-table motor unit 222, are mounted on the drive base 20, a frame 12is fitted thereover so as to cover the circumference of the drive base20 and then the cover 13 of a molded ferro-magnetic material, such asstainless steel or the like, is screwed to the drive base 20 on theopposite side of the printed circuit board 11, thereby completing theassemblage of the optical disc drive unit 1 of FIGS.1-5.

FIG. 6 is a top plane view of the upper interior of the optical discdrive unit 1 and thus with the PCB 11 and cartridge holder 71 removedand further with a portion of plate 20′ of the base 20 effectivelybroken-away, so as to illustrate in full the elements of the turn-tablemotor unit 222 and its associated actuator plate 21. FIG. 7 is a bottomplane view of the interior of the optical disk drive unit 1 shown inFIG. 6 and thus with the cover 13 removed.

A flexible printed circuit sheet (FPC) 91 has mounted thereon a plug-inconnector 92 in turn connected to the plug-in connector 92′ (shown inFIG. 5) of the printed circuit board 11, a photo-detector 52 and circuitparts, such as head control integrated circuit (IC), etc., in the recess20 i of the drive base 20, and is fixed by a plurality of screws 91 c-91f to the drive base 20. More details will be explained later byreference to FIGS. 30(a)-30(c).

The lens carriage 30, in FIG. 6, has mounted thereon an objective lens Land a lens actuator 60 which houses a magnetic circuit to drive theobjective lens L. A flexible printed circuit sheet 39 a, for conductingcontrol signals to drive the lens actuator 60 selectively in the focusdirection and in the track direction, is bonded with a bonding agentalong the molded coil portion 32 a of the lens carriage 30. Moreover, acarriage cover 115, consisting of a ferromagnetic material such asstainless steel or the like, is mounted around the objective lens L ofthe lens actuator 60.

The lens carriage 30 is driven in the radial direction of, andrelatively to, the optical disc by a voice coil motor (VCM) provided atthe opposite transverse sides of the lens carriage 30. This voice coilmotor (VCM) comprises the molded coil portions 32 a and 32 b of the lenscarriage 30 and the magnetic circuits 33 a and 33 b, each comprising ayoke and a magnet.

In addition and as seen in FIG. 7, a pair of bearings 31 a and 31 a and31 b is provided on one (the right) side of carriage 30 and a singlebearing 31 c is provided on the other (left) side of carriage 30,displaced longitudinally at an intermediate position of the bearings 31a and 31 b, the beatings 31 a and 31 b engaging a guide rail 113 b andthe bearing 31 c engaging a guide rail 113 a and thereby supporting thelens carriage 30 on the (parallel) guide rails 113 a and 113 b, thelatter fixed in position by a spring bias, or pre-pressure, provided bythe plate springs 112 a, 112 b and 114. Namely, the plate springs 112 aand 112 b work for fixing the guide rail 113 b by pressing it to matingportions of the interior, depending walls 20-8 and 20-9 of the drivebase 20 in the vicinity of the respective, opposite ends of the guiderail 113 b. On the other hand, the plate springs 114 apply pre-pressureto the guide rail 113 a at the respective, opposite ends thereof and insuch a manner so as to press it toward the guide rail 113 b (i.e., in anorthogonal direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the guiderail) and thereby to resiliently urge the guide rails 113 b and 113 atogether and securely suspend the lens carriage 30 therebetween.Moreover, the guide rails 113 a and 113 b each have a V-shaped convexsurface and the bearings 31 a to 31 c have respective, mating, V-shapedconcave roller surfaces thereby to maintain an engaged relationship withthe corresponding guide rails 113 a, 113 b and without any gap orslippage therebetween.

Two carriage stoppers S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 6 are bonded to the drivebase 20 at one end of the longitudinal path of reciprocal movement ofthe lens carriage 30 and a carriage stopper is also bonded at the otherend. These carriage stoppers are made of a rubber material and have abuffer function for absorbing shock generated when the lens carriage 30abuts a rigid portion of the drive base 20 at either end of the path oftravel. Moreover, the carriage stopper S3 is provided in close contactwith a beam reflector prism 44, the buffer function serving to protectthe beam reflector prism 44 and the sealing function serving to preventmigration of dust into the fixed optical unit 40 by filling theclearance generated between a window 41 b and the beam reflector prism44.

A carriage lock 26, in FIGS. 6 and 7, is provided on the load plate 24and is projected toward the lens carriage 30, to prevent the lenscarriage 30 from inadvertently moving toward the turn-table motor unit222. This is an important feature in view of the guide unit of theinvention being adaptable for use in laptop computer with respect towhich a normal vertical and stable relationship of parts cannot bemaintained. More details of the carriage lock 26 will be explained latewith reference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

The turn-table motor unit 222 (shown in FIG. 22) is provided within therecess 20 g of the drive base 20. The depth of the recess 20 g is about6.0 mm, almost the same as the thickness of the turn-table motor unit222, of about 5.8 mm. The turn-table 22, in FIG. 6, is movable in areciprocating path of movement in a vertical direction, as beforediscussed, through the opening 20 a in plate 20′ of the drive base 20and has a central projection 22 a at the center thereof to engage acenter hole of a hub of an optical disc and an annular magneticprojection 20 b to contact the surface of the hub of the optical disc.

The flexible printed circuit sheet (FPC) 89, in FIG. 6, is bonded on theactuator (metal) plate 21 and has mounted thereon a sensor 86 fordetecting a write-enable status of the optical disc cartridge, a sensor87 for detecting a write-protect status of the optical disc cartridgeand a cartridge-in sensor 88 for detecting an existence of an opticaldisc cartridge in the cartridge holder 71.

In FIG. 7, a flexible printed circuit sheet (FPC) 89 is connected, atone end thereof, to a connector provided on the flexible printed circuitsheet (FPC) 39 for transmitting control signals to control the movementof lens carriage 30 and lens actuator 60. The flexible printed circuitsheet (FPC) 39 is bent at the side of the drive base 20, from which itis shown extending, so as to travel vertically along the side wall 20-1and to reach and be connected to a connector provided on the printedcircuit board 11.

The 3.5-inch magneto-optical disc cartridge is standardized in 128 MB byISO/IEC 10090 and in 230 MB by ISO/IEC 13963 and is available in themarket; therefore, details of the optical disc cartridge are emittedherein.

The load plate 24, in FIGS. 7 and 23, is provided between the drive base20 and the actuator (metal) plate 21 and is guided by pins 29 a, 29 band 29 c, fixed on the drive base 20, along longitudinal grooves 24 aand 24 b provided in opposite sides of a main portion 24-1 and alongitudinal groove 24 c provided in an extension arm 24-2 of the loadplate 24 (±Y direction). When a disc cartridge is loaded, the load plate24 is moved toward the front side (−Y direction) by the springs 28 a and28 b, releasing the lock mechanism and freeing the lens cartridge 30 tobe driven in longitudinal movement by linear motors LM-1 and LM-2. Whenthe disc cartridge is unloaded with an instruction issued by depressingthe eject button, a disk 50 b of the eject motor 50 rotates in adirection A and then a pin 50 c of the disk engages a hook-like engagingend 24-3 of the arm extension 24-2 and thereby pulls the load plate 24toward the rear side (+Y direction) and thereby the load plate 24 movestoward the rear side (+Y direction) of base 20. The lock mechanism thenagain is activated relative to the lens cartridge 30.

After the disc cartridge is completely unloaded, a projection 24 d(shown in FIG. 23) of the load plate 24 engages with an engaged portion72 c′ (shown in FIG. 26) of an arm 72 c to keep the load plate 24 at therear side position (+Y direction).

When the disc cartridge is loaded again, the arm 72 c (shown in FIG. 26)rotates and then the engagement between the projection 72 c′ (shown inFIG. 23) and engaged portion is released and, thereby, the load plate 24is moved toward the front side by springs 28 a and 28 b.

The eject instruction is issued not only by depressing the eject button10 a provided on the front bezel 10 but also by inserting a pin or thelike into the manual eject hole 10 d. In the former case, when the ejectbutton 10 a is depressed, the eject motor 50 is driven so as to pull theload plate 24 toward the rear side (+Y direction). In the latter case,when the pin P is inserted into the manual eject hole 10 d, the pin Ppushes an engagement portion 10 f of the load plate 24 (FIG. 7) andthereby the load plate 24 moves toward the rear side (+Y direction).

The manual eject hole 10 d is an aperture provided in the front bezel 10allowing insertion of the pin P, as explained above. Moreover, anaperture 10 d′ is also provided in the drive base 20, aligned with themanual eject hole 10 d. Therefore, the pin P is inserted through themanual eject hole 10 d and the hole 10 d′ to be pressed against theerected wall engagement portion 10 f of the load plate 24.

However, the manual eject hole 10 d and aperture 10 d′ work as free airflow paths, allowing inflow of dust into the drive base 20 from outsidedue to an air-pressure difference generated when the disc operates.Therefore, in this embodiment, a sealing cover 10 e is provided over themanual eject hole 10 d and aperture 10 d′. Of course, the effect forpreventing inflow of dust can be improved by providing respectivesealing covers over both the manual eject hole 10 d and the aperture 10d′. However, even if the sealing cover can be provided for only one ofsuch holes, depending on the shape of the drive base 20 andspecifications of the front bezel 10, a sufficient sealing effectnevertheless can be assured, particularly, in comparison with the casewhere no sealing cover is provided.

FIG. 8(a) is a top plane view of a sealing cover 10 e, FIG. 8(b) is atop plane view of the sealing cover with a pin P slightly inserted andFIG. 8(c) is a side plane view of the sealing cover 10 e with the pin Pdeeply inserted. In FIG. 8(a), the sealing cover 10 e is made of acircular thin resin sheet, wherein the external circumference iscomposed of a seal member 10 h coated with a bonding agent for thepurpose of bonding, while the center area is equally cut into eightleaves.

In FIGS. 8(b) and 8(c), the pin P is inserted into the manual eject hole10 d or the aperture 10 d′ of the drive base 20. The equally cuteight(8) leaves 10 i (i=1, 2, . . . ) of resin sheet are pushedinwardly, forming an entrance aperture at a central area thereof, as thepin P is inserted into the inside of the front bezel 10 or of the drivebase 20.

The seal member 10 e may be constituted, in addition to the resin, by amaterial having a property of rubber or a sponge or a material such asaluminum foil or the like. Moreover, a double-sided bonding tape mayalso be used for the bonding. In addition, the seal member 10 e maycircular or polygonal, so long as it can seal the hole. Moreover, thecentral area may be cut in any desired way, so long as it provides ashape allowing insertion of the pin P and whereby it may be returnedeasily to the original shape after the pin P is removed.

FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of an alternative sealing cover 10 d andFIG. 9(b) is a perspective view of the alternative sealing cover with apin P inserted. In FIG. 9(a), the sealing cover comprises a coverportion 10 k, consisting of rubber, to close the hole (i.e., manualeject hole 10 d or aperture 10 d′) and a plate spring 10 j for fixingthe cover portion 10 k by a bonding method and pressing it toward thehole. The plate spring 10 j can be fixed, using a bonding agent, to theinside of the front bezel 10 or to the drive base 20. Otherwise, it canbe fixed by affixing a pawl thereto and then engaging such pawl with thehole provided at the inside of the front bezel 10 or drive base 20. Asshown in FIG. 9(a), when the pin P is not inserted, the hole of thecover 10 k is closed and the sealing property is improved by the aspring function of the plate spring 10 j, but when the pin P isinserted, the plate spring 10 j is pressed by the pressing force of thepin P to open the hole, allowing further entry of the pin P.

The cover 10 k may also be formed of a resin or a material having asponge property, in addition to rubber, in order to improve contactnesswith the hole, and the plate spring 10 j may also be constituted in asimplified structure, or in order to realize light weight, by using athinner vinyl material, such as miler film or the like, or a plasticmaterial, in addition to a metallic spring material.

FIG. 10(a) is an enlarged and perspective partial view of the recess 40′portion of the drive base 20 having a fixed optical unit 40 mountedtherein. FIG. 10(b) is an enlarged and perspective, partial view of thedrive base 20 before mounting the fixed optical unit 40 in the recessportion 40′. The recess 40′ has a depth of about 6.4 mm as defined bythe associated surface of support plate 20″ of the drive base 20 andfurther is defined by the peripheral wall segment 20-7 and the interiorpartition wall segments 20-9 and 20-10 (or portions thereof), and isthus adjacent to but rearwardly of the recess 20 h (shown in FIG. 3) formounting the cartridge holder 71; further, recess 40′ and recess 20 hare of the same height within base 20 and thus the correspondingsurfaces of the support plates 20′ and 20″ are in a common plane.

In FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), a mounting block 41 is provided within therecess 40′ of the drive base 20 and a plurality of threaded holes 41 aand a plurality of positioning projections 41 b are provided thereon.Moreover, the plate spring 111 shown in FIG. 7 is affixed to block 41and has arms 111 a, 111 b and 111 c which respectively extend to the Mlens 46, the S lens 47, and the collimator lens 43; M lens 46 and S lens47 thereby are abutted against projections or wall surfaces and fixed inplace by the elastic, resilient biasing force of the spring arms.

Further, in FIG. 10(b), the recess 40′ has integrally formed thereinpositioning blocks 411-420 variously on the bottom and sidewall surfacesthereof, and these positioning blocks 411-420 are formed with precisionsurface elevations and positions relatively to each other and to thebase 20.

The collimator lens, with a cylindrical shape as seen in FIGS. 10A and10(b), is placed in contact with the block 411 on the bottom surface ofthe recess 40′ thereby determining its position in the height directionZ, is placed in contact with the block 412 on the surface of the endwall 20-7 thereby determining its position in the depth direction Y andthen is pressed by the plate spring 11 shown in FIG. 7 against theblocks 411 and 412 and thereby fixed precisely in place.

The M lens 46, with a cylindrical shape as seen in FIGS. 10(a) and10(b), is placed in contact with the block 415 which projects from thebottom surface of the recess 40′ thereby determining its position in thedirection X, is placed in contact with the block 416′ on the bottomsurface of base 20 thereby determining its position in the heightdirection Z, and is sandwiched between two blocks 416 which are formedto extend vertically a little higher than the block 416′ therebydetermining its position in the depth direction Y and then is pressedagainst the blocks 415 and 416′ by the plate spring 111 shown in FIG. 7and thereby fixed in place.

The L lens 47 with a cylindrical shape, in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), issimilarly placed in contact with a block (not illustrated) on the bottomsurface of the recess 80′ thereby determining its position in the heightdirection Z, is placed in contact with a block (not illustrated) on thesidewall surface of the recess 40′ thereby determining its position inthe depth direction Y, and is bonded to the blocks and thereby fixed inplace.

The beam reflector prism 44 in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) is placed incontact with the blocks 413 on the side wall surface of the recessdetermining its position in the width direction M, is placed in contactwith the block 414 on the bottom surface of the recess 40′ determiningits position in the height direction Z and is placed in contact with theblock 419 determining its position in the depth direction Y and,further, is bonded to the blocks 413 and 414. Moreover, an opening 41 bis formed on the sidewall of the recess 40′ and the light beam reflectedfrom the beam reflector 44 passes through the opening 41 b.

The beam splitter and Wollaston prism (BW prism) 45, in FIGS. 10(a) and10(b), is placed in contact with the block 420 determining its positionin the width direction X, is placed in contact with a block 420 (notillustrated) on the bottom surface of the recess 40′ determining itsposition in the height direction Z, is placed in contact with a block(not illustrated) on the side wall surface of the recess 40′ determiningits position in the depth direction Y, and is bonded to the blocks 419and 420.

The complex lens Y of the servo unit 48, described later, is fittedbetween two blocks 417 and 418 determining its position in thedirections X, Y and Z.

The laser diode unit 42 in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) is mounted on the sidewall 40 a′, having a slit 42S, of the drive base 20 by screws; itconsists of a laser diode 42 a, a frame 42 b holding the laser diode atthe slit 42S, a drive circuit (not illustrated) for the laser diode anda cover 42 c for protecting the drive circuit.

The photo detector unit 52 for detecting a data signal is mounted on theside wall 40 b′, having a slit 52S, of the drive base 20 by screws; itconsists of a photo detector 52 a and a frame 52 b having a recess 52 b′for mounting the photo detector 52 a.

The photo detector unit 53 for detecting a servo signal is mounted onthe side wall 40 c′, having a slit 53S, of the base drive 20 by screws;it consists of a photo detector 53 a and a frame 53 b having a recess 53b′ for mounting the photo detector 53 a.

Accordingly, each optical part is positioned in recess 40′ of the drivebase 20, in contact with the respective blocks 411-420 which are formedwith high precision surface accuracy—and the remainder of the drive base20 (i.e., except the blocks 411-420 for positioning) may be formed withregular accuracy.

Therefore, the recess 40′ can be integrally formed on the drive base 20for assembling a fixed optical unit 40 therein, enabling elimination ofparts such as an independent housing within which components areprecision aligned to form a fixed optical unit, as is employed inconventional devices—and thereby achieving a substantial reduction insize and weight requirements and specifically while achieving theobjective of the reduced total height limitation of the disc drive unit1—while maintaining all requisite functions of a fixed optical unit 40.In addition, since a conventional, separate head base is no longernecessary in the disc drive of the present invention, the invention alsoaffords a lighter weight construction.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fixed optical unit 40. FIG. 12 isan explanatory diagram of optical paths and electronic signals of thefixed optical unit.

The laser diode unit 42 emits a laser light beam having the desiredemission power in the direction X and then the beam reflector prism 44reflects the light beam at a right angle, that is, in the direction Y.Since the direction X of the beam path between the laser diode unit 42and the beam reflector prism 44 is perpendicular to the direction Y(i.e., Y being the depth direction of the optical disc drive unit), noextra space for this light beam path in the depth direction Y isrequired and, therefore, a shortest possible total beam path is affordedin the depth direction Y. In FIG. 12, the emitted light beam from thelaser diode unit 42 passes through the collimator lens 43 and the beamreflector prism 44 of the fixed optical unit 40 and then passes throughthe mirror M of the lens carriage 30 and then is guided thereby to theobjective lens L of the lens actuator 60. Thereby, the light beam, asfocussed by the objective lens L, is then radiated onto the opticaldisc.

Thereafter, the returning beam, reflected from the optical disc D,passes through the objective lens L, the mirror M and the beam reflectorprism 44 and then is guided to the beam splitter and Wollaston prism 45for being separated into a reproduction signal and a servo signal. Thereproduction signal (RS), i.e., an address signal and a data signal, isguided to the photo-detector unit 52 through the M lens 46. Moreover,the servo signal (SS) is guided to the L lens 47 from the beam splitterand Wollaston prism 45, and thereafter separated into a plurality ofsignal components β1 to β4 by the complex lens 48′ and which are thenguided to the photo-detector unit 53. The photo-detector unit 53generates the focus signal FES from the signal components β1 and β2 andthe track signal TES from the signal components β3 and β4.

FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view of a complex lens of the servo unit 48.FIG. 13(b) is a top plane view of the complex lens. FIG. 13(c) is anexplanatory diagram of an optical path and electronic signals of theserve unit 48.

The complex lens of servo unit 48 has a structure such that a firstlight emitting surface 48 a, for emitting the first light flux β1 amongthe flux of the returning beam, is inclined in a first angularorientation in the right side, while a second light emitting surface 48b, for emitting the second light flux β2, is inclined in a second,opposite angular orientation in the left side, in the figure. Moreover,third and fourth light emitting surfaces 48 c, 48 d, for emitting thirdand fourth light fluxes β3 and β4, are formed in an inverted V-shapedconfiguration—i.e., oppositely inclined surfaces proceeding from acommon central apex.

The first light emitting surface 48 a is inclined in the sameorientation as the third light emitting surface 48 c, although theinclination angle α1 of the former surface 48 a is smaller than theinclination angle α3 of the latter surface 48 c.

The second light emitting surface 48 b is inclined in the sameorientation as the fourth light emitting surface 48 d, although theinclination angle α2 of the former surface 48 b is smaller than theinclination angle α4 of the latter surface 48 d.

In FIG. 13(c), the returning light beam from the optical disc D, guidedby the L lens 47 (FIG. 12), is split by the servo unit 48 into fourbeams β1 to β4, which are separately received by the photo-detector 53.The photo-detector 53 is formed in such a manner that the firstreceiving element 53 a, which is split into four separate regions (A toD), receives the first and second light beams β1 and β2, the secondreceiving element 53 b receives the third light beam β3 and the thirdreceiving means 53 c receives the fourth light beam β4, all thereoflying in a common plane; alternatively, they may be separate units.

In more detail and among the light flux of the returning light beam, thefirst light beam β1, emitted from the first light emitting surface 48 a,is received by the regions A, D of the first light receiving means 53 aof the photo-detector 53 and the second light beam β2, emitted from thesecond light emitting surface 48 b, is received by the regions B, C ofthe first light receiving unit 53 a. Thereby, the arithmetic operationof (A+C)−(B+D) is carried out, in accordance with the Foucault method,to detect a focus error signal.

The third light beam β3 emitted from the third light emitting surface 48c, among the light flux of the returning light beam, is received by thesecond receiving unit 53 b of the photo-detector and the fourth lightbeam β4, emitted from the fourth light emitting surface 48 d, isreceived by the third light receiving unit 53 c (region F). Thereby, thearithmetic operation of (E−F) is carried out, in accordance with thePush-Pull method, to detect a tracking error signal.

As explained above, since it is not required to split the light pathinto two paths even when the Foucault method for focus detection and thePush-pull method for tracking error signal detection are used, thenumber of required parts can be reduced and also a volume of the fixedoptical unit can be reduced.

Practical details of the servo unit 48 are well known, since describedin the Japanese Patent application No. HEI5-619, also Laid-open No.HEI5-250704, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 084,362 filed Jun. 30,1993.

The BR prism 44 and the BW prism 45, explained above, must be of a smallsize for mounting into the super-miniaturized optical disc drive unit 1of the invention, having, e.g., a total height of about 17 mm. Here, aCube type prism is considered as an example. When the size of widthW×length L×height H (6×6×6) [mm] is reduced to 5×5×5 [mm], the tolerancemust be reduced from ±0.1 mm to ±0.08 mm so that an angular deviation ofprism due to the fitting accuracy (remains equal (i.e.,tolerance/size=0.1/6, 0.08/5).

Thus, when the prism is reduced in size from a 6 mm type to a 5 mm typeas explained above, the tolerance also becomes small, requiring a higherfitting accuracy. On the other hand, a method of producing a small sizeprism without also reducing the tolerance will next be explained.

FIGS. 14(a)-14(c) are explanatory diagrams of the process ofmanufacturing a beam splitter and Wollston prism (BW prism). Twotriangular elongated prisms 101 a and 101 b are prepared, havingrespective, opposing surfaces 101 a-1 and 101 b-1 of matched rectangularshapes. Prism 110 a has an evaporated film 103 a formed on therectangular base surface 101 a-1 thereof and these two prisms 101 a and101 b then are bonded together with the respective, transverse endsthereof aligned and with the evaporated film 103 a disposed in opposedrelationship to the matched rectangular surface 101 b-1 of the otherprism 101 b. In addition, an LN Wollaston prism 101 c is bonded to thepredetermined inclined (vertically oriented) surface 101 b-2 of theprism 101 b.

The resulting angular pole type prism 101 d, having a size of widthW1×length L1 and manufactured as explained above, is cut to a desired(predetermined) length H1, to produce a corresponding number ofindividual BW prisms 101 e-1, 101 e-2 . . .

FIGS. 15(a)-15(c) are explanatory diagrams of the process ofmanufacturing a beam reflector prism (BR prism).

A triangular pole type prim 102 a and an angular pole type prism 102 b,having matched rectangular shapes of respective, opposing surfaces 102a-1 and 102 b-1 thereof are also prepared. Prism 102 a has an evaporatedfilm 103 b formed on the rectangular base surface 102 a-1 thereof andthese two prisms 102 a and 102 b are bonded with the respective endsthereof aligned, the evaporated film 103 b being provided on therectangular surface 102 a-1 opposed to the corresponding rectangularsurface 102 b-1 of the other prism 102 b. In addition, the prism 102 fis bonded to the lower portion of the rear surface of the angular poletype prism 102 b. The prism 102 c, having a size of width W2×length L2and manufactured as explained above, is cut in a predetermined length H2in the narrow width to produce a corresponding number of individual BWprisms 102 d.

The BR prism and BW prism, manufactured as explained above, are arrangedas shown in FIGS. 10a and 10 b and FIG. 11, so that the cut lengths H1and H2 are equal to the lengths in the height (thickness) direction (Zdirection) of the optical disc drive. That is, a reduction in size inthe height direction is realized by locating the surface having thelengths H1 and H2, which easily generate a cutting error, to theposition not taking part in the fitting accuracy, namely to the positionin the height direction. Thereby, an improvement in the fitting accuracycan be achieved without changing the size of the width direction anddepth direction.

Moreover, a diameter of the light beam flux ΦD emitted from the LD unit42 (FIG. 11) is set in the relation: ΦD>1.0. For example, when theheight of prism is 5 mm, the light beam flux ΦD is set as sufficientlysmall as 0.2 mm, so that the light beam flux does not exceed the surfaceof the prism in the height direction Z. Accordingly, even when the prismis reduced in size, the minimum accuracy can be maintained.

It is possible, of course, to employ prisms other than those explainedabove.

Therefore, use of prisms 44 and 45, when manufactured as explainedabove, assures obtaining a sufficient fitting accuracy even when asurface having poor surface accuracy, such as that of the drive base 20made of aluminum die-casting as shown in this embodiment, is used formounting the fixed optical unit 40 and also enables direct mountingthereof to the drive base 20 without using a separately prepared headbase (i.e., a support block or housing) which has been typically used.

FIG. 16(a) is a perspective view of an objective lens. FIG. 16(b) is across-sectional view of the objective lens.

The objective lens L has a central double-convex portion with anintegral, annular flat portion F extending radially therefrom at theexternal circumference thereof such as in a shape of a brim of a hat.While one end face f′ of the flat portion F is adjusted so as to betransverse to the optical axis (FIG. 16(b)), the flat surface F isbutted and then bonded for the purpose of fixing to the end surface ofthe lens holder (FIG. 18) of the lens actuator 60.

Therefore, even when the objective lens L is small in size, it can bemounted to the lens mounting unit 62 a with high accuracy and by asimplified adjusting method.

FIG. 17(a) is a top plane view of a lens carriage 30, FIG. 17(b) is aside plane view of the lens carriage 30 and FIG. 17(c) is an enlargedcross-sectional view of the lens carriage 30.

A condenser lens 129, in FIG. 17(a), is mounted on the lens carriage 30at the center thereof and inputs/outputs the beam from/to the fixedoptical unit 40. A mirror M is mounted below the objective lens L anddeflects the light beam from the condenser lens 129 toward the objectivelens L. Details of the lens actuator 60 will be explained later withreference to FIG. 18. In addition, at both transverse, or lateral, sidesof the lens carriage 30, the bearings 31 a to 31 c and coils 32 a, 32 b,explained above, are provided.

Next, a method of adjusting the optical axis of the objective lens Lwill be explained.

On the occasion of mounting the lens actuator 60 on the lens carriage30, a jig 151 is engaged on three recessed reference points 121 a to 121c to hold the lens carriage 30 and then the light beam is irradiatedonto the jig 151 through the objective lens L and then the inclinationof the light beam is detected by an auto-collimator or the like. Thescrew 122 b, which passes axially through the coil spring 122 a, isadvanced with a screw-driver 152, under the condition that the coilspring 122 a is provided between the screw fitting portions 61 a of theactuator base 61 and the bottom surface of the lens carriage 30, so thatthe light beam from the objective lens L becomes almost perpendicular,effectively, to a bottom surface of the recess 20 h (FIG. 3) definingthe slot for access to the optical disc cartridge. In FIG. 17(a), ascrew 123 b is similarly provided at a screw fitting portion 61 b of theactuator base 61 via a coil spring (not illustrated).

Therefore, the angular inclination of the objective lens L, that is, theangular inclination of the optical axis “l” (FIG. 16(b)), can befine-adjusted with an elastic (i.e., resilient) pressure of the coilspring 122 a. Thus, since the lens actuator 60 is provided with twoadjusting points, that is, the screw fitting portions 61 a and 61 b, theobjective lens can be fine-adjusted in two directions with a couple ofscrew, that is, the objective lens can be fine-adjusted intwo-dimensions.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lens actuator 60. The movable partof the lens actuator 60 comprises a lens holder 621, made of athermosetting resin or the like, which movably holds the objective lensL in the track and focus directions, a focus coil 65 which is providedby bonding at the wall part of the center aperture of the lens holder621 and tracking coils 66 a and 66 b which are bonded to the oppositesurfaces, relative to that to which the above-mentioned bonding isprovided for the focus coil 65.

Moreover, a magnetic circuit of the lens actuator 60 comprises a magnet64, provided on the actuator base 61 in opposing relationship to thetracking coil 65 at the center aperture of the movable side lens holder621, a yoke 61 c consisting of an upwardly bent part of the actuatorbase 61 receiving a magnetic force of the magnet 64, a yoke 61 dconsisting of a bent part which opposed to the yoke 61 c and a U-shapedcover yoke 63 coupling the foregoing two yokes.

In addition, there are provided four wire assemblies 67, 68 and 69 (oneis not illustrated) for movably holding the movable part of the lensactuator 60. These four wire assemblies 67, 68 and 69 consist of wireportions 67 a, 68 a, 69 a (one is not illustrated), four free endportions 67 c, 68 c, 69 c (one is not illustrated) and four fixed endportions 67 d, 68 d, 69 d (one is not illustrated). The four free endportions 67 c, 68 c and 69 c (one is not illustrated) are respectivelyengaged with four projections 62 a and 62 b (two are not illustrated) onthe lens holder 621 and are bonded thereon. The four fixed end portions67 d, 68 d and 69 c (one is not illustrated) are bonded to the wireholding block 622. The four vibration absorbing plate 67 b, 68 b and 69b (one is not illustrated) are respectively provided on the wirecorresponding assembly 67, 68 or 69 (one is not illustrated) near thefixed end portion 67 d, 68 d and 69 d (one is not illustrated).

The wire portions 67 a, 68 a and 69 a of the wire assemblies 67, 68 and69 comprise, sequentially from the upper layer, a vibration absorbingplate (damping plate) consisting of Kapton, miler film or the like,double-sided bonding tape for bonding the damping plate or bonding layerconsisting of non-perfect setting bonding agent, wire, bonding layer anddamping plate.

The four lead conductors on the FPC 39 a (of FIG. 17(a)) is respectivelyextended to the fixed end portions 67 d, 68 d and 69 d and are solderedto the fixed end portions 67 d, 68 d and 69 d on the wire holding block622. Moreover, the four free end portions 67 c, 68 c, 69 c on the lensholder 621 are respectively soldered with four lead wires of the focuscoil 654 and track coils 66 a, 66 b. As explained above, continuityamong the focus coil 65, track coils 66 a, 66 b and FPC 39 a can beattained. Accordingly, since electrical connections can be made withoutrouting fine leads of each coil, there is no fear ofdisconnection/default and improvement in reliability can be realized.

Moreover, two wire portions 67 a and 69 a, two free end portions 67 cand 69 c and two fixed end portions 67 d and 69 d are manufactured bylaminating plate or linear spring material as a single assembly and thencoupling the wire assembly 67 and the wire assembly 69 in the shape of“C”. A pair of wire assembles 67 and 69 in the coupled (i.e., in theshape of “C”) condition are attached to the wire holding block 622 and,thereafter, the coupling portion is cut out. Therefore, small size partscan be dealt with easily and managed, with improvement in the assemblingefficiency, by using the wire assembling manufactured as explainedabove.

The actuator base 61 can be screwed, under the condition that all partsof the lens actuator 60 are mounted, to the lens carriage 30 through thefitting portions 61 a and 61 b of the bending piece of the actuator base61.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the track/focus coil unit 60 acomprising a focus coil 65 and track coils 66 a and 66 b and is lockedin the magnetic circuit of the lens actuator 60. The tracking coils 66 aand 66 b are respectively wound around axes 66 g and 66 h and the focuscoil 65 is wound around an axis 65 a perpendicular to the axes 66 g and66 h.

In the tracking coils 66 a and 66 b, only the inner vertical sides 66 cand 66 d are used for generating a drive force, while the outer verticalsides 66 e and 66 f and horizontal sides thereof do not take part insame.

However, when the tracking coils 66 a and 66 b move within the range ofmovement of coil unit 60 a and the outer vertical sides 66 e and 66 fenter into the magnetic flux of the magnetic circuit, the outer verticalsides 66 e and 66 f generate forces in opposite directions and thus mayproduce mechanical oscillation (e.g., vibration). In this situation, thetracking coils 66 a and 66 b cannot make a uniform driving force at anyposition within the moving range of coil unit 60 a and then it becomedifficult to control the position of tracking coils 66 a and 66b.Therefor, in this embodiment, the outer vertical sides 66 e and 66 f arelocated sufficiently away from the magnetic circuit to cancel theabove-mentioned manner.

FIG. 20(a) is a graph of a frequency—mechanical compliance profile ofthe lens actuator having wire assemblies without any damping member.FIG. 20(b) is a graph of a frequency—mechanical compliance profile ofthe lens actuator having wire assemblies with damping members. In FIGS.20(a) and 20(b), the horizontal axis indicates frequency (Hz) of acurrent applied to the track/focus coil unit 60 a, while the verticalaxis indicates a gain (dB), namely, vibration as a function of the levelof the current (i).

Comparison between FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b) teaches that sharp peaks areformed at a certain frequency when only wire is used, as shown in FIG.20(a); however, there is no such peak value and, instead, vibration issubstantially attenuated when a damping member is used, as shown in FIG.20(b).

Therefore, if shearing deformation is generated in the wire assembly,vibration in the focus direction and track direction of the wireassembly can be absorbed by covering the surrounding of the wireassembly with the bonding layer, explained above, or with a dampingmember such as a vibration absorbing plate. Namely, the vibration can beattenuated to about {fraction (1/10)}th or less the amount that isgenerated when only the wire is used.

As explained previously, a vibration absorbing (damping) plate isprovided near the wire holding block 622. The vibration absorbing plateis formed as a thin plate, which is composed, like the wire assemblyexplained above, of a vibration absorbing plate constituted by aluminumfoil, Kapton, miler film or the like, a bonding layer consisting ofdouble-sided bonding tape or non-perfect setting bonding agent, and thevibration absorbing plate is bonded by the bonding layer. In thisembodiment, the vibration absorbing plates 67 b, 68 b, 69 b are providedbut since the bonding layer actually plays an important role forabsorption of vibration, employing even only a bonding agent havingsoft-viscosity can also provide a sufficient damping effect.

FIG. 21(a) is a graph of a frequency—mechanical compliance profile ofthe lens actuator 60 having wire assemblies with a thermosetting bondingagent, such as an epoxy-based material, and FIG. 21(b) is a graph of afrequency—mechanical compliance profile of the lens actuator having wireassemblies with a non-perfect setting bonding agent, such as asilicon-based or ultraviolet setting type bonding agent.

In FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b), the horizontal axis indicates frequency (Hz)of a current applied the a track/focus coil unit 60 a, and the verticalaxis indicates gain (dB), namely vibration caused by the current.

A comparison of FIG. 21(a) and FIG. 21(b) teaches that a sharp peakvalue is formed at a certain frequency, namely vibration is generated,when the thermosetting bonding agent is used as shown in FIG. 21(a), butsuch a sharp peak value as shown in FIG. 21(a) is not generated andvibration instead is attenuated when the non-perfect setting bondingagent is used, as shown in FIG. 21(b).

Therefore, if shearing deformation is generated at the wire vibration ineach of the focus direction and the track in the wire assembly can beabsorbed and thereby reduced to about {fraction (1/10)}th (or less) ofthat which is generated when only the wire is used to attenuate thevibration, by providing the vibration absorbing plate 67 b, 68 b, 69 b,such as a bonding layer and a vibration absorbing plate or the likeexplained previously, to the area of the wire assembly having a largerdeforming angle during the drive of the lens actuator 60 or movement oflens carriage.

Meanwhile, since the thin plate vibration absorbing members 67 b, 68 b,69 b are provided in the manner that the plate surfaces are parallel tothe bottom surface of the lens carriage 30, the behavior of one does nothave any influence on another, adjacent such wire assembly.

Employment of the lens actuator as explained above affords highperformance yet with a thinner lens carriage.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the turn-table motor unit 222 (c.f.,FIG. 3). A turn-table 22 is formed of a magnetic material for attractinga metal part of a hub of an optical disc and has a central projection 22a to be engaged with a central hole of the hub of an optical disc and anannular projection 22 b to be placed in contact with the hub of opticaldisc. The accuracy of the center projection 22 a and the circumferentialprojection 22 b is an important factor to improve the precision of thecentral point and a horizontal plane of the optical disc.

The actuator (metal) plate 21 has projections 21 a and 21 b to beengaged and received in corresponding apertures 20 c and 20 d of thedrive base 20 (see FIGS. 4 and 6), apertures 21 c and 21 d to be engagedwith projections 20 e and 20 f of the drive base 20 (FIGS. 4 and 6),upwardly bent flanges 81 a and 81 b, and slotted bands, or belts, 23 a′and 23 b′ for holding the pin-type shafts of the slide roller pins 23 aand 23 b. The actuator (metal) plate 21 having these structures isformed in a single process by a metal-stamping, or press technique.

The turn-table motor unit 222 is mounted on the (metal) actuator plate21 and, further, the flexible printed circuit sheet (FPC) 89 is bondedto the latter. On this flexible printed circuit sheet (FPC) 89 areprovided a sensor 86 for detecting the write enable status to which theoptical disc cartridge is set, a sensor 87 for detecting the writeprotect status to which the optical disc cartridge is set and acartridge-in sensor 88 for detecting insertion of an optical disccartridge. The flexible printed circuit sheet (FPC) 89 further haswirings to transfer the signals of the above sensors and a drive signalwhich controls driving of the turn-table 22.

Since the turn-table motor unit 222 is constituted as explained aboveand the drive circuits, for example, for driving the turn-table 22 areall mounted on the printed circuit board 11, the actuator (metal) plate21 on which is mounted the FPC can be made much thinner thanconventionally and the number of parts on the drive base 20, at theupper layer of the cartridge holder 71, can be (reduced), therebyenabling reduction in size in the height direction of the disc drive.Namely, the height of the recess 20 g (FIG. 4) for the turn-table motorunit 222 (i.e., the height of the interconnected wall segment 20-1, 20-2and 20-3 of the drive base 20) can be set to the higher one of therespective heights of the turn-table motor unit 222 and of the guides 82a, 82 b, 83 a, 83 b (FIG. 23) of the load plate 21.

In this embodiment, since the shapes of the guides 82 a, 82 b, 83 a, 83b and bent flanges 81 a, 81 b (FIG. 22) are determined as shown in thefigures, upward/downward movement of the turn-table motor unit 222 canbe controlled and the height of the turn-table motor unit 222 can be setto be almost equal to the height of the recess 20 g (FIG. 4).

Therefore, the height (about 6.0 mm) of the recess 20 g (FIG. 4) can berestricted only to the maximum upward/downward movement (about 5.8 mm)of the turn-table motor unit 222. Because the thickness of the actuator(metal) plate 21 is only about 0.6 mm and the turn-table unit 22 avoidsinto the opening 20 a (FIG. 4) of the drive base 20.

Accordingly, since the height of the recess 20 g (FIG. 4) can be reducedby employing a thinner turn-table motor unit, the height of the opticaldisc drive unit is expected to become near the thickness (about 5 mm) ofthe cartridge.

Unloading of the optical disc is achieved by engagement of appropriateparts of the turn-table motor unit 222, eject motor unit 50 and loadplate 24, as explained previously.

First, when the eject button 10 a, provided at the front bezel 10, isdepressed or when a pin or the like is intensively inserted into themanual eject hole 10 d, ejection of a disc cartridge can be instructedmanually.

In the former case, when the eject button 10 a is depressed, the ejectmotor 50 is driven and when the end part 24 d of the load plate 24 ispulled next, the load plate moves to the rear side of the disc drive,while in the latter case, when the pin or the like is intensivelyinserted into the manual eject hole 10 d, the pin collides with theerected wall part 10 f of the load plate 24 and thereby the load plate24 is moved to the rear side of the disc drive.

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the turn-table motor unit 222and the load plate, or load member, 24. The actuator (metal) plate 21 ofthe turn-table motor unit 222 is provided with fitted slide/roller pins23 a, 23 b to be engaged with the load plate 24. The load plate 24 isprovided between the actuator (metal) plate 21 and base 20, foreffectuating the function to raise the actuator (metal) plate 21including the turn-table 22 to engage a disc and to lower same torelease the disc.

In more detail, the load plate 24 is provided with inclined guide slots,or channels, 84 a, 84 b, having a slope rising toward the rear of thedisc drive, for engagement with the slide pins/rollers 23 a, 23 b of theactuator (metal) plate 21, first guides 83 a, 83 b for stablyintroducing the rollers, or roller pins 23 a, 23 b into the guide slots84 a, 84 b and second guides 85 a, 85 b having flat edge surfaces,disposed higher (+2) than the first guides, for stably introducing thepins/rollers 23 a, 23 b into engagement with the guide slots 84 a, 84 band allowing the slide pins/rollers 23 a, 23 b, when having left theguide slots 84 a, 84 b, to ride over such flat surfaces.

Further, the load plate 24 is also provided with third guides 82 a, 82 bwhich may be formed as integral, bent flanges, having respective slopesrising toward the rear side of the disc drive. Therefore, with movementof the load plate 24 to the front side of the disc drive, the slidepins/rollers 23 a, 23 b of the actuator (metal) plate 21 slide on thesecond guides 85 a, 85 b by rotating the rollers at the end portionsthereof and the bent flanges 81 a, 81 b of the actuator (metal) plate 21slide on the slope of the third guides 82 a, 82 b, thereby pushing theactuator (metal) plate 21 upwardly (+Z direction) to raised positionrelatively to the base 20. (Recognize that, FIG. 23 illustrates thestructure, as inverted.). Offsets 20-12 and 20-13 limit +Z direction ofmovement of the actuator plate 21 relatively to the base 20.

FIG. 24(a) is a bottom perspective view of the interior of the discdrive in the condition when a disc cartridge (not shown is loadedtherein in this condition, plate 21 has moved in the +Z direction to theraised position, relatively to the base 20, as a result of the loadplate 24 having moved in the −Y direction. FIG. 24(b) is a partiallyenlarged perspective view of the interior of the disc drive shown inFIG. 24(a). Both figures illustrate the inverted condition for ease ofillustration of the mechanisms and it is to be understood that thenormal orientation and operation thus is inverse to the illustrations.The actuator (metal) plate 21 is mounted on the load plate 24 withdeposition of the slide pins/rollers 29 a and 29 b, projections 83 c and83 d of the load plate 24 and coil springs 28 a and 28 b with both endscoupled. In this case, these springs 28 a and 28 b are retracted. Inthis case, the slide pins 23 a and 23 b of the actuator (metal) plate 21are coupled with the guide slots 84 a and 84 b. In addition, it can alsobe seen that the bent flanges 81 a and 81 b of the actuator (metal)plate 21 are located at the lower side of the slope of the third guides82 a and 82 b. As seen in the broken-away view of FIG. 24(b), slopedintegral guide 29 f is aligned with and received in the respective notchof region 21-2, projecting above same (−Z direction); similarly, slopedintegral guide 29 e is received in and projects above its respectivenotch region 21-1 (not illustrated).

FIG. 25(a) is a bottom perspective view of the interior of the discdrive with no disc cartridge thereon (i.e., with the disc cartridgeejected/unloaded). FIG. 25(b) is a partially enlarged perspective viewof the interior of the disc drive shown in FIG. 25(a).

With the eject instruction explained above, the load plate 24 moves tothe rear (+4) of the disc drive. This movement causes the plurality ofgrooves 24 a to 24 c provided within the load plate 24 to slide alongthe pins 29 a to 29 c provided on the drive base 20. Moreover, with themovement of the load plate 24, the slide pins 23 a, 23 b of the actuator(metal) plate 21 slide on the slopes of the guide slots 84 a, 84 b andride over the flat surfaces of the second guides 85 a, 85 b to push themetal plate 21 downwardly (Z direction to the displaced position thereofrelatively to the base 20. In addition, sloped guides 24 e and 24 f ridealong the surface of the actuator plate 21, contiguos the respectivenothc regions 21-1 and 21-2, causing the associated edge of the plate 21likewise to move in the −Z direction and thus away from the base 20.Thereafter, the slide pins 23 a and 23 b of the actuator (metal) plate21 slide by the specified amount and are then returned to the guideslots 94 a and 94 b with the returning forces of the coil springs 28 a,28 b.

In the same manner, when the load plate 24 moves, the bent flanges 81 a,81 b of the actuator (metal) plate 21 slide on the slopes of the thirdguides 82 a, 82 b and the bent flanges 81 a, 81 b cause the actuator(metal) plate 21 to move downwardly a little, near the turn-table 22.

With the mechanism as explained previously, when the actuator (metal)plate 21 moves downwardly, the turn-table 22 holding the optical discmoves downwardly through the opening 20 a of the drive base 20 therebyto withdraw from the inside of the cartridge holder and whereby the disccartridge is urged toward the wall surface of the drive base 20 aroundthe opening 20 a. Thereby, engagement between the optical disc andturn-table 22 is canceled. The cartridge ejection mechanism of thecartridge holder 71, explained later, then ejects the cartridge to theoutside of the disc drive.

In FIG. 25(a), the carriage lock 26, rotatably mounted on shaft 26 a tothe load plate 24, is projected toward the (large) aperture 20 b of thedrive base 20. In more detail, a part of the carriage lock 26, made ofplastic material, is pressed against the projection 27 by a coil springreceived on the shaft 26 a between the block 26 and is energized, orbiased, normally to rotate the lock 26 toward, and to engage, theprojection 27 of the drive base 20; the end part of the carriage lock 26thereby is projected normally toward the aperture 20 b of the drive baseto engage the end part of the coil assembly 32 a of the lens carriage 30(as in FIG. 7) for preventing inadvertent movement of the lens carriage30.

FIG. 26 is a bottom plane view of the cartridge holder 71. The cartridgeholder 71 is formed as s stamped stainless steel element. A cartridgetransfer/ejection mechanism 72 comprises a roller 72 a which is engagedwithin an elongated track aperture 71 a of the cartridge holder 71, soas to move therein and thereby to open or close the shutter of theoptical disc cartridge, coil spring 72 b for energizing the roller 72 ain the cartridge ejection direction and coil spring 72 d for energizingthe rotatable arm 72 c in the cartridge ejection direction. Therotatable arm 72 c has a gear therein affording a mechanism to counterthe elastic force of the coil spring 72 d and adjust, or off-set anddampen, a cartridge ejection force, in order to prevent the cartridgefrom being too forcibly and rapidly ejected.

In addition, an electromagnet unit 73 is provided at a position near thecenter of the cartridge holder 71 and in opposition to the light beamfrom the objective lens L. An electromagnetic coil assembly of the unit73 comprises a coil which is covered with an insulation seal 74 a and acover 74 b. As an alternative, a coil with a rectangular cross-sectioncan be also used. This rectangular cross-sectional coil is successfullyused to reduce heat generation and prevents temperature rise within thedisc drive.

Moreover, there is also provided a cartridge clamp 75 which engages theend part of an optical disc cartridge and is energized, by the coilspring, at the internal side of the cartridge holder 71, to clamp thecartridge 400 to the other wall surface of the drive base 20.

The cartridge holder 71 having the parts explained above mountedtherein, is secured to the drive base 20 by a plurality of screwsreceived through a corresponding plurality of holes 71 a and 71 b andrelated threaded holes in the base 20, as previously discussed.

Further, a terminal 73 a of the electromagnet unit 73, formed like aplate spring, is exposed at the rear surface side of the cartridgeholder 71, opposed to the printed circuit board 11, and the cartridgeholder 71 and printed circuit board 11 are stacked so that such terminal73 a is placed in contact with the land of the printed circuit board 11.The terminal 73 a of the electromagnet unit 73 is attached to theprinted circuit board 11 by the screw hole 73 b and a screw (notillustrated) to prevent warpage of the printed circuit board 11.

FIG. 27 is a bottom plane view of the cartridge holder when the disccartridge 400 is in an intermediate stage of being normally inserted orejected. The roller 72 a engages with the end surface of the slider 401of the optical disc cartridge 400 and the roller 72 a moves along theelongated aperture 71 a, upon insertion/ejection of the cartridge 400,respectively to open/close the shutter 402 coupled with the slider 401.

FIG. 28 is a bottom plan view of the cartridge holder 72 when the disccartridge 400 is inserted incorrectly, i.e., upside down side. In thiscase, the roller 72 a is coupled with the groove 403 provided on thecartridge 400, and cannot move in the groove 71 a even if the groove 403is pushed; thus, the cartridge 400 is ejected to the outside with thereactive force of the coil spring 72 b.

However, in some cases, the cartridge 400 is pushed forcefully by auser, even though it is inserted erroneously, for the positioning. Inthis case, the roller 72 a may be worn down, resulting in breakdown.While a force required for opening and closing operation of the shutteris usually set to several tens of grams, a bending force, due to theerroneous insertion, applied to the roller 72 a may be increaseddepending on the user, up to several kilograms. This may cause damageand breakdown.

FIG. 29 is a side cross sectional view of the roller 72 a of thecartridge holder 71. The roller 72 a comprises a slide element 72 fhaving a U-shaped cross-section and extending outwardly in oppositedirections so as to be received in engaging relationship on the wall ofthe holder 71, extending outwardly from the groove 71 a and so as toslide along the groove 71 a, the slide element 72 f further having acentral bore therein for receiving a rotating shaft 72 e at the centerthereof, a rotary bearing 72 g for engagement with the slider 401 of thecartridge 400 and a stopper clip 72 h for assembled for maintaining theshaft 72 e engaged by the rotary bearing 72 g. In view of improvingdurability of the roller 72 a, the rotating shaft 72 e preferably isformed of a metal material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or thelike, while the other slide element 72 f, the rotary bearing 72 g andthe stopper clip 72 h are formed of a resin, such as poly-acetal resin,or a plastic material having good sliding property. Moreover, a part ofthe coil spring 72 b is received on the shaft 72 e, between the rotarybearing 72 g and the slide element 72 f.

Although it is possible to form all the parts, in addition to therotating shaft 72 e, of a metal material in order to improve durabilityof the roller 72, if a metal material is used for the sliding portion,the sliding portion may still become worn, depending on the surfacecondition and frequency operation of the sliding portions (i.e., therotating shaft 72 e, sliding element 72 f, the rotary bearing 72 g andthe stopper clip 72 h), disabling smooth opening and closing operationsof the shutter. However, smooth sliding operation can be assured bycoating a resin having a good sliding property, such as a Tefloncoating, onto the sliding portion or impregnating these elements withlubricant; thereby, the roller 72 a may be formed entirely of a metalmaterial, as explained above.

Therefore, durability of roller 72 a can be much improved by introducingthe construction as explained above.

FIG. 30(a) is a top plan view of the flexible printed circuit board(FPC) 91. FIG. 30(b) is a bottom (flipped-over) plan view of the FPCshown in FIG. 30(a). FIG. 30(c) is a top plan view of the FPC, folded tooverlapped relationship along the line A—A shown in FIG. 30(a). On thisFPC 91 there are mounted circuit parts, such as a head IC 95 forcontrolling servo signal, information signal of optical system and laserdiode and the photo-detectors 52, 53. A plug in connector 92 is providedon the FPC 91. Adjacent the fixed line A—A, a film having a certainhardness and sheets 93 and 94 are attached with a bonding agent ordouble-sided bonding tape. Therefore, the two folded portions of theplug-in connector 92 can be pressed together easily, enabling easierassembling work contributing greatly to the working efficiency on theoccasion of connecting this connector 92 to the connector 92′ in theside of the printed circuit board 11.

In FIG. 30(c), the FPC 91 is bent so that the plug-in connector 92 isexposed at the surface. Therefore, the mounting area of FPC 91 can bereduced, enabling the screwing thereof into threaded holes insupport/mounting blades of base 20 adjacent the space 20 i of the drivebase 20 through the threaded holes 91 a and 91 b.

In addition, mounting of the FPC 91 in the space 20 i of the drive base20 facilitates electrical connections to the printed circuit board 11,also contributing greatly to improvement in the assembling workefficiency. Moreover, this location of the FPC 91 is beneficial sincethe undesired mixture into the signals for recording, reproducing anderasing operations can be prevented by connecting the wires, which fortransfer the signals participating in the information recording orreproducing operations, with the plug-in connector without laying thewires to the outside of the drive base 20 between the drive base 20 andprinted circuit board 11. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a discdrive having higher reliability, as the data storage device.

Meanwhile, the shielding effect can be obtained and interference ofexternal noise can also be prevented by holding the wires between theprinted circuit board 11 and drive base 20, using the plug-in connector92, and then covering same with the frame 12. Therefore, a disc drivehaving excellent reliability as a data storage device can be attained.

FIG. 31(a) is a top plan view of an alternative lens carriage 230 andlens actuator. FIG. 31(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the lensactuator shown in FIG. 31(a).

In FIG. 31(a), a space is formed at the central area of the lenscarriage 230 thereby to move the objective lens L in the radialdirection of the optical disc, in order to mount a condenser lens 229for inputting and outputting the optical beam from and to the fixedoptical unit 40, a mirror M inclined at 45 degrees for reflecting the(horizontal) optical beam from the condenser lens 229 to a verticaldirection, a lens actuator 60, etc.

At the opposite sides of the lens carriage 230, respective coilassemblies 232 a and 232 b are provided. A movable part of the lensactuator 60 comprises the lens holder 162 a, made of thermosetting resinor the like, which movably holds the objective lens L in both the trackdirection and the focus direction, the focus coil 165 which is providedin close contact with the wall of the center aperture of the lens holder162 a and the track coils 166 a, 166 b which are provided in closecontact with the respective opposite surfaces of the bonding parts,explained above, of the focus coil 165.

A pair of tracking coils 166 a and 166 b, respectively provided at theright and left sides of the focus coil 165, are wound in such adirection as to be almost perpendicular to the winding plane of thefocus coil 165 and the end portions thereof protrude to the outside fromthe end surface of the yoke 163 of the magnetic circuit. That is,influence of the magnetic flux can be eliminated so as not to generatemechanical oscillation by locating the part extending to the upper andlower directions at the outside of the magnetic gap of the track coils166 a and 166 b at the position outside the magnetic gap.

Moreover, a magnetic circuit of the actuator 160 comprise a magnet 164provided on the actuator base 161, opposing to the track coil 165 at thecenter aperture of the lens holding means 162 a in the movable side, ayoke 161 c consisting of a bending portion of the actuator base 161receiving a magnetic force of the magnet 164 and a yoke 163 provided onsuch two yokes.

Moreover, there are provided six wire assemblies 167 a, 168 a, 169 a,170 a, 178 a (one is not illustrated) for holding the movable portion ofthe lens actuator 60, terminal boards 167 c, 168 c, 169 c (one is notillustrated) which are bonded after engaging the holes to the projection162 c of the lens holding means 162 a to hold the end portion of thewire assembly in the side of the objective lens and the terminal boards167 d, 168 d, 169 d and 170 d to be bonded to the wire holding means 162c fitted to the end portion of the actuator base 61. The vibrationabsorbing members 167 b and 169 b (two members are not illustrated) forabsorbing vibration of the wire assemblies are also provided.

However, the terminal board 168 c and the terminal board (coupled withthe wire assembly 170 a) in the opposite side of the lens holding memberhave two wire assemblies at the upper and lower sections and the twowire assemblies are coupled with only one terminal board. In addition,the wire assemblies may be formed, like the embodiment explainedpreviously, in the vibration absorbing structure where the surroundingis covered with the bonding layer, vibration absorbing member or thelike.

The end portion of FPC 39 a is extended on the wire holding means 162 band is then soldered to four terminal boards on the wire holding means162 b. Moreover, the four terminal boards on the lens holding means 162are soldered respectively to the two lead wires of the focus coil 165and track coils 166 a, 166 b. As explained above, continuity among thefocus coil 165, track coils 166 a, 166 b and FPC 39 a has beenestablished. Therefore, since electrical connection can be made withoutlaying fine lead wires of each coil, there is no fear of disconnectionof wires and higher reliability can also be attained.

Furthermore, the side wire assemblies and terminal boards at both endportions of each wire assembly may be manufactured by laminating plateor linear spring material using a die having a shape of a pair of rightand left wire assemblies coupled with each other. The right and leftwire assemblies are mounted to the wire holding means 162 b while theseare coupled (in the shape of “C”) and thereafter the coupling portion isdisconnected. Accordingly, use of such wire assemblies makes easier thehandling and management of small size parts, thereby much improving theassembling efficiency.

Therefore, the actuator base 161 can be screwed through the spring 223 awith the screw 223 b at the fitting portions 161 a and 161 b of thebending piece thereof and the lens carriage 230 under the condition ofmounting all parts of the lens actuator 60 explained above.

In this embodiment, constitution of each part has been explained inorder to set the height of the optical disc drive to about 24 mm orless, that is, to about 17 mm.

According to the optical disc drive which performs recording andreproducing operations for the 3.5-inch magneto-optical disc cartridgeexplained above, following dimensions can be realized by constitutingthe disc drive with the parts, as explained above:

1. Thickness only of the substrate of the printed circuit board 11:About 0.8 mm (the circuit parts, in a maximum height of about 4.5 mm,can be mounted because the allowable height of the space 20 i of thedrive base 20 is about 4.5 mm)

2. Maximum height of cartridge holder 71: About 7.1 mm

3. Maximum height of the drive base 20: About 15.8 mm (Height of therecess 20 h (FIG. 3) for the cartridge holder 71 is about 9.7 mm; heightof the recess 20 g (FIG. 4) for the turn-table motor unit 222 is about6.0 mm; maximum height of head base is 6.4 mm; maximum height of ejectmotor is about 10.7 mm/minimum height is about 9.7 mm, including thethickness of the drive base which is set in the range of 0.8 to 1 mm)(Width: about 100.2 mm, maximum depth: about 132.2 mm)

4. Thickness of the center area of lens carriage: 7.0 mm (depth: about22.2 mm) Thickness of lens carriage 30 including the molded coilportions and the magnetic circuit is about 7.6 mm (Thickness of VCM,only is about 4.5 mm.)

5. Total height of turn-table motor unit 222: About 5.8 mm. (Thicknessof the actuator (metal) plate, only is about 0.6 mm.)

6. Thickness of cover 13: 0.2 mm

7. Maximum thickness of load plate: 4.7 mm (Above dimensions include thetolerance of ±0.1 mm.).

Thereby, since the thickness of the drive base 20 can be set to about15.8 mm, considering the construction and layout of the component parts,the total height of the drive unit, the printed circuit board and covermounted on the drive base, can be limited to about 17 mm—i.e., thusachieving a substantial reduction in size from current commercialdevices.

Moreover, a width of 102 mm and a depth of 140 mm, including the printedcircuit board and front bezel, etc. have been attained. (In more detail,17.2 (height)×101.6 (width)×140 mm (depth) has been achieved.)Therefore, the apparatus can be built into the slot of the thinnerfloppy disc drive, having measurements of a thickness of about 17 mm, awidth of 102 mm and a depth of 140 mm.

Each constitution has been explained in this embodiment so as to enablelimiting the total weight of the optical disc drive to about 300 g orless.

According to the optical disc drive of the invention, for the recordingand reproducing operation of the 3.5-inch magneto-optical disc cartridgeas is explained in this embodiment, the total weight of the disc drivecan be reduced to about 250 g by setting the weights of the followingprincipal sections, or components, to the following through reduction inthickness of the base unit 20, savings in the number of parts andsimplification of the parts:

1 Total weight of printed circuit board: About 40 g(including thecircuit parts)

2 Total weight of cartridge holder 71: About 50.2 g (includingdust-proof sheet)

3 Total weight of lens carriage 30: About 36.7 g (including VCM, etc.)

4 Total weight of cover 13: About 19.8 g

5 Total weight of turn-table motor unit: About 18.3 g

6 Total weight of driver base 20: About 66.5 g (including load plate, LDunit, etc.)

7 Total weight of eject motor unit: About 10 g.

Moreover, the total weight of the disc drive, when a frame 12 and afront bezel 10, etc. are included, as an option, can be reduced to about299 g.

In this invention, the optical disc drive of the magneto-optical disccartridge has been explained but it is of course possible to introducethe technology for realizing thinner, lighter weight and smaller sizeunit, which has been explained in this embodiment, into the opticalmemory apparatus such as the 3.5-inch phase variable type optical discaccommodated in the cartridge.

An embodiment for utilizing the optical memory apparatus explainedabove, particularly the magneto-optical disc drive in the computersystem, will now be explained.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a personal computer 300, comprising asprimary components, a display 2, a mouse 5, a computer body 7 and akeyboard 6. The computer body 7 comprises a floppy disc disk drive 3, aCD-ROM optical disc drive 9 and a memory apparatus such as a magneticdisk drive (not illustrated). Moreover, a magneto-optical disc drive 1,having the structure as explained above, is inserted into a slot 4 whichis a cavity part of the computer unit 7 and is designed to be a littlelarger than the disc drive and the connector la for E-IDE interface ofthe magneto-optical disc drive 1, which is connected to a connector (notillustrated) within the slot 4.

The memory apparatus explained above uses a portable type recordingmedium, except for the magnetic disk drive, and exposes a part of themechanism to the surrounding environment to permit the insertion of themedium therein or the ejection of the medium from within the device andto the outside. Such a personal computer 300 is driven when the powerswitch is turned ON; it then reads the operating system software andapplications from the preset memory and then executes the software.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of the personal computer shown in FIG. 32. Amicroprocessor (MPU) 301 is the heart of the personal computer, andprocesses the programs and data stored in the main memory 302. Datatransfer between MPU 301 and main memory 302 is carried out by aninternal bus 303. A cache memory 304 uses a memory element, which canmake access at a higher rate than the main memory 302, to preferentiallystore the data having the higher application frequency. A bus controller305 is connected to an internal bus 303 for the data transfer with theinternal bus 307 or 308.

Next, the internal bus 307 is capable of directly connecting theexternal devices. This internal bus 307 is connected with the modem 321via an RS-232C interface 320, with the display 323 via a graphiccontroller 322 and video memory 324 and with a floppy disk drive (FDD)326 through a floppy disc controller (FDC) 325, respectively.

The internal bus 307 is further connected through an E-IDE adapter 327to a magnetic disk drive (HDD) 328, a magneto-optical disc drive (MOD)329, and a CD-ROM optical disc drive (CD-ROM) 330. The E-IDE interfaceis an extended version of IDE interface, and all of which are general,standard interfaces.

In succession, the internal bus 308 is used for interrupt control and isconnected with a keyboard controller 332 in turn connected with thetimer 331 and keyboard 333 and an interrupt controller 334.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a laptop type computer and a floppydisk drive unit, before mounting the latter to the laptop computer. Alaptop computer 300′ has a keyboard 6′ and a floppy disk drive unit ofabout 17 mm high or a slot 4′ to which a power supply unit can beinserted.

The magneto-optical disc drive 1′, explained above, can be reduced insize as described in regard to the present invention. Therefore, it canbe set to almost the same size as the external shape of the floppy diskdrive of about 17 mm high and can be used through insertion into theslot 4′.

FIG. 35(a) is a rear plane view of a case, or housing, for the opticaldisc drive. FIG. 35(b) is a front plane view of the case shown in FIG.35(a). FIG. 35(c) is a partly top view of the interior of the case shownin FIG. 35(a). FIG. 35(d) is a block diagram of an interface conversioncircuit of the disc drive shown in FIG. 35(a). Here, as shown in FIG.35(a), a case 13′ is provided to slide the magneto-optical disc driveunit 1 within the slot 4′.

The interface of the laptop type computer 300′ of this embodiment isdifferent from the interface of the magneto-optical disc drive 1 of theembodiment explained above. Therefore, since it is impossible to simplyconnect them, an interface conversion circuit is then provided at theinside of the case 13′ as shown in FIGS. 35(a) to 35(b).

In more detail, the magneto-optical disc drive 1 of the invention, asexplained above, uses the connector 1 a for E-IDE, but since theinterface of the laptop type computer 300′ in this embodiment is thePCMCIA type, various signals outputted from the connector 1 a for E-IDEare converted to the signals for PCMCIA.

Therefore, the connector 1 b to which the connector 1 a for E-IDE isconnected, in opposition when the magneto-optical disc drive 1 isaccommodated in the case 13′, is provided in the case 13′.

Moreover, FPC 1 c for guiding the signals from the connector 1 b isscrewed to the metal plates 1 d and 1 e attached to the case 13′. Inaddition, a microprocessor unit (MPU) 1 g having a ROM, BUFFER, etc., ismounted on FPC 1 c and is connected to the connector 1 b with the E-IDEstandard and to the connection if with the PCMCIA standard. The signalfrom E-IDE connector 1 b is converted to the signal for PCMCIA and isthen transferred to the connector if of the other end side. The signalfrom PCMCIA is then converted to the signal for E-IDE similarly. Theconnector if is projected to the outside from the case 13′ and it can beconnected to the PCMCIA of the interface of the laptop type computer300′.

Therefore, the optical memory apparatus can be connected to many hostapparatuses by changing only the case, depending on the users' request.

FIG. 36(a) is a rear perspective view of an internal magneto-opticaldisc drive with an E-IDE interface and a SCSI interface. FIG. 36(b) is ablock diagram of an interface conversion circuit of the disc drive shownin FIG. 36(a).

In FIG. 36(a), the magneto-optical disc drive 1 explained in relation toFIG. 1 is accommodated in the case (cabinet) 311 and two kinds ofconnectors, an SCSI connector 312 a and an E-IDE connector 312 b, areprojected to the outside of the case 311.

The slide plate 314 opens to reveal one of two kinds of connectors andcovers the other connector not being used. Long pins 313 are engaged inopposite sides of the slide plate 314 and permit movement thereofbetween respective connectors provided at the upside and downside slidepositions. For use of the lower connector, the slide plate 314 is movedupwardly and is then fixed in place with a screw or pin (notillustrated).

In FIG. 36(b), the SCSI connector 312 a and E-IDE connector 312 b dividethe signal lines for guiding the signals of the E-IDE connector 1 a ofthe magneto-optical disc drive 1 into two sections. Thereby, one is useddirectly for E-IDE, while the other is connected to the micro processorunit (MPU) 311 having ROM BUFFER, etc., so that the signal for E-IDE isconverted for SCSI and the signal for SCSI is converted for E-IDE, onthe contrary.

A shape of the case and a kind of interface connectors for optical discapparatus, such as SCSI, E-IDE, PCMCIA connectors, can be selected forthe magneto-optical disc drive considering applicability and users'request.

Therefore, connectability of the optical memory apparatus having acertain specification with host apparatus, such as any of many kinds ofpersonal computers, can be improved only by changing the case.

FIG. 37(a) is a rear perspective view of an external magneto-opticaldisc drive with a SCSI interface and a PCMCIA interface. FIG. 37(b) is ablock diagram of the interface conversion circuit of the disc driveshown in FIG. 37(a). The magneto-optical disc drive 1 has a connector 1a for E-IDE. The magneto-optical disc drive 1 can be connected to theconversion connector not illustrated in the case 341 by inserting it tothe case 341 having the SCSI connector 342 other than E-IDE connector,PCMCIA connector 343 and power adapter 345.

The micro processor unit (MPU) 346 having ROM BUFFER, etc., converts thesignal for E-IDE to the signal for SCSI and converts conversely betweenthe E-IDE connector 1 a and the SCSI connector 342 signals to the hostapparatus such as personal computer body 300 and laptop type computer300′ via the SCSI connector. Similarly, the micro processor unit (MPU)347 having ROM Buffer, etc., between the E-IDE connector 1 a and PCIMIAconnector 343, converts the signal for E-IDE to the signal for PCMCIAand converts conversely.

Such signal conversion is performed by conversion of the correspondingsignals using the data indicating corresponding relationship of signaldefinition and pin number between the E-IDE and the SCSI interfaces.Signal definition and pin number of the interface are generally known.

A simple conversion example will be indicated. For instance, the pin No.1 indicates RESET for E-IDE type, GROUND for PCMCIA type and GROUND forSCSI type. Therefore, since definitions of signals are different amongthe interfaces, for transmission of GROUND, conversion is made so thatthe signal of the pin No. 2 for E-IDE type is transferred to the pin No.1 for PCMCIA type and to the pin No. 1 for SCSI type.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a directly connectable external opticaldisc drive among the optical disc drive. In this embodiment, theconnectors 316 and 318 which may be connected with each other areprovided, in this embodiment, at the position where the cases 315 and317 are provided opposed with each other when the cases 315, 317 of twounits of memory apparatus are stacked for the arrangement.

Connection of connector can be made, without providing or laying thecables, only by stacking two units of memory apparatuses in the verticaldirection. In this embodiment, the optical memory apparatus isconsidered as an example, but connection, for example, between the harddisc apparatus and magneto-optical disc apparatus can be made by usingin common the interface connectors to be connected and thereby directtransfer of data between such apparatuses can be realized.

Moreover, application into the data transfer between hard disc apparatusand floppy disc apparatus other than the optical memory apparatus isalso possible.

Accordingly, connection of connectors in the right and left directionmay also be realized only by exposing the connectors not only in thevertical direction but also in the horizontal direction. In addition,the connectors are provided, in this embodiment, at the upper and lowersurfaces of the disc drive, but two or more apparatuses can be connectedby providing the connectors at the upper and lower surfaces.

As explained previously, the present invention offers a thinner, smallersize, lighter weight and more compact optical memory apparatus which hasremarkably improved assembling work efficiency as described above.

Moreover, the present invention can also offer the optical memoryapparatus which has also improved higher reliability without loweringcapability as the data memory apparatus even after reduction inthickness, size and number of parts.

Therefore, the present invention can offer, through reduction inthickness, size and weight of apparatus, the optical memory apparatuswhich can be mounted into a portable and thinner laptop type personalcomputer. In addition, the present invention can offer the opticalmemory apparatus which can be loaded to the slot of the apparatus in thethickness of 1-inch or less, namely of about 17 mm of the computersystem.

The present invention can further offer the optical memory apparatus, inwhich height of the drive base is approximated as much as possible tothe thickness of the optical disc cartridge (6.0±0.2 mm, conforming to3.5-inch optical disc cartridge of ISO standards).

Accordingly, the present invention enables mounting and connection ofoptical memory apparatus into many host apparatuses to expand theapplication mode thereof into a wider range and to improve flexibilitythereof.

Accordingly, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that thesystem of the invention is subject to many modifications and adaptationsand, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to encompass all suchmodifications and adaptations which fall within the true spirit andscope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical memory apparatus for reading data froman optical memory medium which is accommodated in a cartridge,comprising: a base, of a substantially rectangular shape, having asliding surface for sliding an inserted cartridge thereover in opposite,inserting and ejecting directions along a first axis parallel to thesliding surface and the sliding surface having an opening therein; acarriage movably mounted on said base; a metal plate having a pair ofpin holders on respective opposite sides of the metal plate and a pairof pins, held by the respective pin holders, extending parallel to thesliding surface of the base and transverse to the first axis; a motormounted on said metal plate; a turntable mounted on said motor andaligned therewith for rotation about a second axis perpendicular to thefirst axis; and a load member mounted on the base and slidable thereonalong the first axis between first and second positions in accordancewith inserting and ejecting directions of movement of a cartridgerelative to the base, the load member having a pair of sloped guidesrespectively engaging the pair of pins and moving the pins, andcorrespondingly the metal plate including the motor mounted therein andthe turntable mounted on the motor, in a direction perpendicular to boththe first axis and the sliding surface so as to project the turntablethrough the opening in the base and locate said turntable above thesliding surface of said base, responsive to the inserting direction ofmovement of the cartridge toward the first position, and so as towithdraw the turntable from the opening, responsive to an ejectingdirection of movement of the cartridge toward the second position, andlocate said turntable below the sliding surface when said load member ispositioned at the second position.
 2. The optical memory apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein: the optical memory medium comprises a plate, receivedon the turntable and driven in rotation therewith about a rotating axisthereof; and at least one portion of the turntable is formed of amagnetic material.
 3. The optical memory apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid metal plate and the pair of pin holders are formed by a stampingoperation.
 4. The optical memory apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a flexible printed circuit sheet, mounted on said metalplate, communicating a drive signal to said turntable motor.
 5. Theoptical memory apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a lock member,movable with moving of said load member, displaced from said carriagewhen said load member is at the first position and engaging saidcarriage when said load member is at the second position.
 6. An opticalmemory apparatus for reading data from an optical memory medium which isaccommodated in a cartridge, comprising: a base, of a substantiallyrectangular shape, having a sliding surface for sliding an insertedcartridge thereover and the sliding surface having an opening therein; acarriage movably mounted on said base; a metal plate having unitary andintegral guide portions; a motor mounted on said metal plate; aturntable mounted on said motor; and a load member having sloped guideswhich engage said guide portions, respectively, and move said metalplate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding surfaceof said base when said load member moves between a first position and asecond portion in a direction substantially parallel to the slidingsurface of said base, said turntable being located above the slidingsurface when said load member is positioned at the first position andbeing located below the sliding surface when said load member ispositioned at the second position.
 7. The optical memory apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein: the optical memory medium comprises a plate, receivedon the turntable, for being driven in rotation therewith about arotating axis thereof; and at least one portion of the turntable isformed of a magnetic material.
 8. The optical memory apparatus of claim6, further comprising: a flexible printed circuit sheet, mounted on saidmetal plate, communicating a drive signal to said turntable motor. 9.The optical memory apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a lockmember, movable with moving of said load member, displaced from saidcarriage when said load member is at the first position and engagingsaid carriage when said load member is at the second position.
 10. Theoptical memory apparatus of claim 6, wherein said motor and saidturntable are mounted on only one side of said metal plate, and theother side of said metal plate is substantially flat.
 11. An opticalmemory apparatus for reading data from an optical memory medium which isaccommodated in a cartridge, comprising: a base, of a substantiallyrectangular shape, having a sliding surface for sliding an insertedcartridge thereover and the sliding surface having an opening therein; acarriage movably mounted on said base; a metal plate having a pair ofpin holders on respective sides of the metal plate, and a pair of pinsheld respectively by the pair of pin holders; a motor mounted on saidmetal plate; a turntable mounted on said motor; a load member having apair of sloped guides with respective sloped surfaces, said pair of pinssliding on respective said sloped surfaces and said metal plate movingin a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding surface ofsaid base when said load member moves between a first position and asecond position in a direction substantially parallel to the slidingsurface of said base, said turntable being located above the slidingsurface when said load member is positioned at the first position andbeing located below the sliding surface when said load member ispositioned at the second position; a sensor mounted on said metal plate;and a flexible printed circuit sheet, mounted on said metal plate,communicating a drive signal to said turntable motor and a signal ofsaid sensor.
 12. The memory apparatus of claim 11, wherein said pinholders have openings, and said pins are inserted into respective saidopenings of the metal plate.
 13. The memory apparatus of claim 11,wherein said sensor detects a write protect status to which thecartridge is set.
 14. The memory apparatus of claim 11, wherein saidsensor detects an insertion of the cartridge.
 15. The memory apparatusof claim 11, further comprising: a sensor mounted on a flexible printedcircuit sheet, said sensor detecting insertion of the cartridge.
 16. Theoptical memory apparatus of claim 11, wherein said motor, saidturntable, and said flexible printed circuit sheet are mounted on acommon side of said metal plate, and an opposite side of said metalplate is substantially flat.
 17. The optical memory apparatus of claim11, wherein: the optical memory medium comprises a plate, received onthe turntable and driven in rotation thereby; and at least one potion ofthe turntable is formed of a magnetic material.
 18. A memory apparatusfor reading data from a memory medium, comprising: a base having asliding surface for sliding an inserted medium there along; a metalplate having a pair of pin holders on both sides of the metal plate, anda pair of pins held by the respective pin holders; a motor mounted onsaid metal plate; a turntable mounted on said motor; and, a load memberhaving sloped guides with respective slopes, said pair of pins slidingon said slopes of the sloped guides, respectively, and said metal platemoving in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding surfaceof said base when said load member moves between a first position and asecond position in a direction substantially parallel to the slidingsurface of said base, said turntable being located above the slidingsurface when said load member is positioned at the first position andsaid turntable is located below the sliding surface when said loadmember is positioned at the second position.
 19. The memory apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein said pin holders have corresponding openings and saidpins are inserted into said corresponding openings of the respective pinholders of the metal plate.
 20. The memory apparatus of claim 18,further comprising a flexible printed circuit sheet, mounted on saidmetal plate, communicating a drive signal to said motor.
 21. The memoryapparatus of claim 20, wherein said motor, said turntable, and saidflexible printed circuit sheet are mounted on a common side of saidmetal plate, and an opposite other side of said metal plate issubstantially flat.
 22. The memory apparatus of claim 20, furthercomprising: a sensor mounted on said a flexible printed circuit sheet;and said flexible printed circuit sheet communicates a drive signal tosaid motor and a signal of said sensor.
 23. The memory apparatus ofclaim 18, further comprising: a cartridge holder holding a cartridgewhich accommodates said medium therein; and said cartridge holder issupported on the base.
 24. The memory apparatus of claim 23, furthercomprising: a sensor mounted on a flexible printed circuit sheet, saidsensor detecting a write protect status to which the cartridge is set.25. The memory apparatus of claim 18, wherein: the memory mediumcomprises a plate, received on the turntable and driven in rotationthereby; and at least one potion of the turntable is formed of amagnetic material.
 26. A memory apparatus for reading data from a memorymedium, comprising: a base having a surface on which an inserted mediumslides; a metal plate having a pair of pin holders integrally formedwith said metal plate on a pair of respective, opposite sides of themetal plate and having corresponding openings receiving a pair ofrespective pins inserted into said corresponding openings of the pinholders; a motor mounted on said metal plate; a turntable mounted onsaid motor; a load member having sloped guides with respective slopes,said pair of pins sliding on said slopes of the sloped guides,respectively, and said metal plate moving in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the sliding surface of said base when said load membermoves between a first position and a second position in a directionsubstantially parallel to the sliding surface of said base, saidturntable being located above the sliding surface when said load memberis positioned at the first position and said turntable being locatedbelow the sliding surface when said load member is positioned at thesecond position; a flexible printed circuit sheet mounted on said metalplate; and a sensor mounted on said a flexible printed circuit sheet;wherein said flexible printed circuit sheet communicates a drive signalto said motor and a signal of said sensor.
 27. The memory apparatus ofclaim 26, further comprising: a cartridge holder holding a cartridgewhich accommodates said medium therein; and said cartridge holder issupported on the base.
 28. The memory apparatus of claim 27, whereinsaid sensor detects a write protect status to which the cartridge isset.
 29. The memory apparatus of claim 27, wherein said sensor detectsinsertion of a cartridge.
 30. The memory apparatus of claim 26, whereinsaid motor, said turntable, and said flexible printed circuit sheet aremounted on a common side of said metal plate, and an opposite side ofsaid metal plate is substantially flat.
 31. The memory apparatus ofclaim 26, wherein: the memory medium comprises a plate, received on theturntable and driven in rotation thereby; and at least one potion of theturntable is formed of a magnetic material.